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.

PTAB Institutes Review of Biogen's Rituximab Patent

The PTAB has granted Celltrion’s petition for inter partes review of Biogen’s U.S. Patent 7,820,161.  (IPR2016-01614)  The patent is drawn to methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis by administration of rituximab.  Rituximab is sold by Biogen and Genentech under the trade-name Rituxan®.  Rituxan is FDA approved to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic…

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Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and Healthcare Supply Chain Association file Amicus Brief in Sandoz v. Amgen

As we have previously reported, in April the Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the Federal Circuit’s interpretation of the BPCIA’s notice of commercial marketing requirement and patent dance provisions.  As we reported last week, several amicus briefs in support of Sandoz were filed last week. The amicus brief, filed by…

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AARP, AHIP, and Others File Amicus Briefs in Sandoz v. Amgen

As we have previously reported, the Supreme Court will later this year hear arguments in Sandoz v. Amgen regarding the Federal Circuit’s interpretation of the BPCIA’s notice of commercial marketing requirement and patent dance provisions.  Several amicus briefs in support of Sandoz were filed last week. One brief was filed by AARP,…

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Biosimilars Council Files Amicus Brief in Sandoz v. Amgen

As we covered in a previous post, in April the Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the BPCIA’s notice of commercial marketing requirement and patent dance provisions.  Last week, the Biosimilars Council filed an amicus brief in support of Sandoz’s position with respect to both issues.  The brief is available here. The…

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Celltrion Healthcare and Pfizer Present Data on Infliximab Trial

As we reported last November, the NOR-SWITCH Phase IV study concluded that patients could be safely and effectively switched from originator infliximab (Remicade®) to Celltrion’s biosimilar product CT-P13 (Remsima®). On February 17, Celltrion Healthcare and Pfizer released primary outcome data at the 12th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis…

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