Welcome to the Big Molecule Watch!

ENGLISH | 中文

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.

IPR Tracker: Rituxan IPRs

As we’ve covered in previous posts and in the IPR section of this blog, several IPR petitions have been filed against patents relating to the biologic products Humira (adalimumab) and Rituxan (rituximab). The PTAB has now issued decisions on whether it will institute IPR on the three Rituxan (rituximab) IPR…

Read More

Impending TPP Agreement's Potential Impact on Biologics

On June 23, 2015, the U.S. Senate authorized President Obama to negotiate on a “fast-track” basis the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP).  TPP is a proposed trade agreement between several pacific countries concerning a variety of matters, including intellectual property and pharmaceutical products.  Negotiations over TPP, which have been taking place…

Read More