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.

FDA Issues Interim Response to PhRMA/BIO Joint Citizen Petition on Biosimilar Labeling

As we previously reported, late last year the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) trade associations jointly submitted a Citizen Petition asking the FDA to impose stricter labeling requirements on biosimilar applicants. Last month, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) submitted a comment in opposition…

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Janssen Sues HyClone Laboratories Over Cell Cultures Used to Grow Celltrion’s Remicade Biosimilar

In the ongoing litigation over infliximab biosimilars, Janssen has filed two new complaints alleging infringement of claims in U.S. Patent No. 7,598,083: one against Celltrion and Hospira, and a second against HyClone Laboratories, Celltrion’s Utah-based supplier of cell culture media.  These complaints follow Judge Wolf’s recent order in Janssen’s original…

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Merck's Lantus Biosimilar Queued for an FDA Submission?

Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced promising results from two Phase III studies evaluating MK-1293  – Merck’s biosimilar to Lantus (insulin glargine).  Lantus is used for the treatment of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  In both Phase III studies, MK-1293 demonstrated statistical…

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Amgen v. Sandoz: Reply Briefs Submitted to Supreme Court

As we previously reported, on February 16, 2016, Sandoz petitioned the United States Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari regarding the Federal Circuit’s interpretation of the BPCIA’s “notice of commercial marketing” provision—subsection (l)(8)(A)—as authorizing such notice only after FDA approval of an aBLA. In response, on March 21, Amgen…

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Halo Electronics, Inc. v. Pulse Electronics Inc.: the U.S. Supreme Court Establishes a New Framework for Awarding Enhanced Damages in Patent Suits

Yesterday, the Supreme Court announced its decision in Halo Electronics, decision in Halo Electronics, Inc. v Pulse Electronics, Inc., in which the Court rejected the Federal Circuit’s Seagate test and established a new framework for imposing enhanced damages for patent infringement.  Under the new framework, district courts will have greater…

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PTAB Institutes IPRs on Two More Humira Patents

Yesterday, the PTAB instituted IPRs on two of Abbvie’s Humira patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 9,017,680 and 9,073,987, which are drawn to dosing regimens for AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As previously reported here, the PTAB previously instituted an IPR on related U.S. Patent 8,889,135 based on a petition…

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