Welcome to the Big Molecule Watch!

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Goodwin’s award-winning Big Molecule Watch is the best resource for daily updates and analyses of regulatory issues, litigation, legislation, and other news in the world of biologics, biosimilars and related technologies. The editors of this blog have collectively been watching and engaging with the world of biologics and biosimilars (“big molecules”) since before the inception of the biosimilar industry in the U.S.  With extensive experience representing clients at all stages of a biologic’s or biosimilar’s lifecycle, from research and development, to patents, to regulatory application and approval, and through litigation and appeals, we are excited to share our observations and insights as the industry and the law continues to develop in this exciting area.

This blog focuses on “big molecules” as opposed to “small molecules.” Small molecule drugs have low molecular weight, a simple and well-defined structure, and are chemically synthesized. In contrast, “big molecule” drugs have high molecular weight, complex structures, and are derived from living organisms. For example, aspirin is small molecule while a monoclonal antibody is a big molecule. For further reading on big molecules, consider FDA's resources on biologics.

Pfizer to Lower Price of Enbrel in Ireland

The Irish Times reports that Pfizer will be cutting the price of Enbrel® (etanercept) on November 1st. Pfizer is cutting its price to comply with Ireland’s Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines (the “Framework Agreement”), which, starting August 1, 2016, set new pricing rules for medicines supplied to or reimbursed…

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Amgen: Unlikely to Launch Amjevita® Biosimilar Before 2018

At yesterday’s earnings call for Q3 2016, Amgen indicated that, due to its ongoing litigation with AbbVie, Amgen is unlikely to launch Amjevita® (adalimumab-atto), its FDA-approved biosimilar of Humira®, before 2018.  Amgen Chairman and CEO Bob Bradway stated: In biosimilars, AMJEVITA, which is of course our biosimilar to adalimumab, is…

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FDA to Issue Draft Guidance on Interchangeability by End of Year

gloved hand withdraws drug solution with syringe

Last Thursday, October 20, the FDA held a scheduled public meeting on the reauthorization of the Biosimilar User Fee Act (BsUFA).  The FDA heard from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including patient/public health advocates, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives.  As we previously reported, the FDA had committed to publishing a draft…

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Catalent Biosimilars Manufacturing Update

Yesterday, Catalent Pharma Solutions announced that it has broken ground for a 22,000 square foot extension of its biologics manufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin.  According to the press release, following completion of the expansion, Catalent will be able to provide biologics for late-stage clinical and commercial purposes. In addition, last…

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Janssen v. Celltrion: Janssen Appeals Judgment Invalidating the ’471 Patent

As we previously reported, on September 26, 2016, the district court in Janssen v. Celltrion entered partial final judgment that the ’471 patent, asserted by Janssen, was invalid.  Today, Janssen filed a notice that they are appealing the district court’s judgment to the Federal Circuit. Meanwhile, Celltrion’s partner Pfizer announced last week that it will begin shipping…

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