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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.

Boehringer Ingelheim Announces Phase I Results for Avastin® Biosimilar

Today, Boehringer Ingelheim announced that results from a Phase I study demonstrate its bevacizumab biosimilar candidate, “BI 695502,” is bioequivalent to Avastin®. According to the announcement, BI 695502 met all the pre-defined primary and secondary endpoints in Boehringer Ingelheim’s “INVICTAN®-1″ study, with no clinically relevant differences in safety or immunogenicity found between the study’s BI…

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Amgen and Allergan Submit BLA for Avastin® Biosimilar

As we previously reported, Amgen and Allergan are currently collaborating on four oncology biosimilars, including an Avastin® (bevacizumab) biosimilar, ABP 215. Yesterday, the companies announced the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to FDA for ABP 215.  According to the announcement, Amgen and Allergan believe theirs is the first BLA for a bevacizumab biosimilar…

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Mylan and Mabion Reach Agreement on Rituximab Biosimilar

According to a Mabion press release, Mylan recently reached a deal with Mabion, a Polish biotech firm, for the exclusive right to commercialize Mabion’s rituximab biosimilar candidate in EU countries and non-EU Balkan states. The deal included an upfront payment of $10 million and additional milestone payments and royalties.  Rituximab is…

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Eagle Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Arsia Therapeutics

This morning, Eagle Pharmaceuticals announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Arsia Therapeutics.  According to Arsia’s website, Arsia’s technology enables the production of high-concentration, low-viscosity biologics that can be delivered to patients by subcutaneous injection, autoinjector pen, or patch pump.  Eagle’s press release states that the acquisition…

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CHMP Recommends Approval of Three Biosimilars to EMA

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, (“CHMP”), the committee at the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”) that is responsible for preparing opinions on questions concerning medicines for human use met earlier this week and recommended approval of nine medicines to the EMA.  Of the nine medicines recommended for approval,…

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Big Molecule Team at 2016 BIO IPCC Fall Conference

If you plan to attend next week’s 2016 BIO Intellectual Property Counsels Committee Fall Conference, please keep an eye out for members of the Big Molecule Watch team.  Big Molecule Watch editor Cynthia Hardman will moderate the conversation during the day-two luncheon fireside chat, “Standing on the Front Lines: Trials…

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Amgen Files Opposition to Apotex's Petition for Certiorari

On November 8, 2016, Amgen submitted a brief in opposition to Apotex’s petition for certiorari challenging the Federal Circuit’s application of its holding in Amgen v. Sandoz that subsection (l)(8)(A) of the BPCIA allows an aBLA applicant to provide notice of commercial marketing only after it receives approval, as well…

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Update: Obamacare and TPP

While Donald Trump’s victory has made world headlines, what may be less well known to our readers is that the election also gave Trump’s Republican Party majority control of both the House and the Senate.  For the first time in many years, Republicans will control both the White House and…

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