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.

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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United States Amicus Brief Filed in Sandoz v. Amgen

Last week the Office of the Solicitor General (“SG”) filed an amicus brief on behalf of the United States in support of Sandoz’s position with respect to the BPCIA’s notice of commercial marketing requirement and patent dance provisions.  You may recall that the SG also filed a brief in support of…

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Upcoming Oral Arguments in BPCIA Litigation

On Friday, the United States Supreme Court set oral arguments in Amgen v. Sandoz for April 26, 2017. Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit announced that oral arguments in Amgen v. Hospira will be held on April 3, 2017. Stay tuned to Big Molecule Watch for further updates.  For…

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FDA accepts Mylan aBLA for pegfilgrastim biosimilar

Mylan N.V. and Biocon Ltd. have announced that the FDA has accepted Mylan’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for MYL-1401H, a proposed biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta®  (pegfilgrastim), for filing through the 351(k) pathway.  Mylan stated that the FDA goal date set under the Biosimilar User Fee Act (BsUFA) is Oct. 9,…

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