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.

Deal Watch: Takeda to Acquire Ariad in All-Cash Deal

Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced via a press release today that it is acquiring Cambridge-based oncology company ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in an all-cash deal worth over $5 billion.  Takeda expects the deal to close by the end of February 2017, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary…

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Drug Pricing Update

In August 2016, we reported that CVS dropped Neupogen® (filgrastim) and Lantus® (insulin glargine) from its standard formulary and replaced them with biosimilar versions. Hikes in insulin drug prices have prompted pharmacies and insurers to change their formularies in favor of biosimilar alternatives, as reported this week by USA Today. In…

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Janssen Files Supplemental Brief in Infliximab Litigation

Yesterday, in the Janssen v. Celltrion action, Janssen filed a supplemental brief on the issue of whether Hospira may be liable for infringement on the theories of joint enterprise, agency, or contract.  As we previously reported, the Court ordered the parties to brief this issue after it arose during oral arguments on the motions for…

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