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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.

FDA BsUFA Goals Letter Outlines Plans for Guidance, Pushes Back Timeline on Interchangeability Guidance

FDA has published its performance goals and procedures (commonly referred to as FDA’s “goals letter” or “commitment letter”) for the Biosimilar Biological Product User Fee Act (“BsUFA”) reauthorization for fiscal years 2018 – 2022, ahead of its upcoming public meeting on October 20, 2016 to discuss FDA’s proposed recommendations for the BsUFA reauthorization….

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Dealwatch: Shire Returns Etanercept Rights to Coherus and Adalimumab Rights to Momenta

Shire plc has returned development rights to two biosimilar candidates to Coherus BioSciences, Inc. and Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc., reportedly based on a strategic portfolio review following Shire’s June 2016 acquisition of Baxalta Incorporated. Coherus announced that it has “regained from Shire plc all development and commercial rights previously licensed for…

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Samsung Bioepis Seeks Regulatory Approval for an Adalimumab Biosimilar in Europe and South Korea

Samsung Bioepis is reportedly seeking regulatory approval to sell a biosimilar version of Humira® (adalimumab) in South Korea. Also, in July 2016, Samsung Bioepis reported that the EMA had accepted its Marketing Authorization Application for SB5, an adalimumab biosimilar. As we recently reported, Samsung Bioepis already has approved biosimilar applications for etanercept and…

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BREAKING NEWS: FDA Approves Amgen's Humira Biosimilar

According to a report this morning from Seeking Alpha, FDA is expected to approve Amgen’s application for a biosimilar version of AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab) today.  If approved, it will be the first biosimilar adalimumab product approved by FDA, and the fourth product to be approved under the BPCIA’s abbreviated approval pathway for biosimilars…

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Deal Watch: Teva and Regeneron Announce Fasinumab Collaboration

On September 20, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced an agreement to develop and commercialize fasinumab, an investigational NGF antibody currently under development by Regeneron as a treatment for osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain.   The press release states Teva and Regeneron will collaborate globally, excluding Japan, Korea, and…

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Litigation Update: Case Management Statement in Amgen v. Sandoz (filgrastim, pegfilgrastim)

The parties in Amgen v. Sandoz (N.D. Cal.) (filgrastim and pegfilgrastim) have submitted a joint case management statement regarding the two pending cases between the parties: Case No. 3:14-cv-04741-RS (accused product: Zarxio® (filgrsatim-sndz), which Sandoz launched in September, 2015) and Case No. 3:16-cv-02581-RS (accused product: pegfilgrastim (biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta®). The parties…

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