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.

Janssen Files Redacted Public Version of Its Opening Brief in Support of Its Motion for Preliminary Injunction Against Amgen in BPCIA Ustekinumab Case

As we previously reported, on March 1, 2023, Janssen filed a motion for preliminary injunction in Janssen Biotech, Inc. v. Amgen Inc., C.A. No. 22-1549-MN, seeking to enjoin Amgen from the commercial manufacturing, sale, and offer for sale of ABP 654, Amgen’s ustekinumab biosimilar.  Last week, Janssen filed a public…

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Aflibercept IPRs Update

On March 10, 2023, the PTAB denied institution of IPR2022-1524, filed by Apotex Inc. regarding Regeneron’s Patent No. 11,253,572.  As we previously reported, Apotex filed an IPR petition against the ’572 patent in September 2022, challenging claims that generally relate to methods for treating angiogenic eye disorders with a claimed dosing regimen…

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Coherus Biosciences Announces Approval of a Pegfilgrastim Autoinjector

On March 6, 2023, Coherus Biosciences announced FDA approval of an autoinjectable version of Udenyca, Coherus’ biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta (pegfilgrastim). Udenyca (pegfilgrastim-cbqv) was first launched in the US in January 2019 and is one of six FDA approved pegfilgrastim biosimilars. Udenyca is administered the day after a chemotherapy treatment…

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Biogen Launches BYOOVIZ (ranibizumab) in Canada

On March 1, 2023, Biogen Canada Inc. announced that BYOOVIZTM (ranibizumab injection), a biosimilar to Genentech’s LUCENTIS, is now available in Canada.  BYOOVIZ is an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy approved for the treatment of various eye disorders, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  According to Biogen, AMD accounts…

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Janssen Seeks a Preliminary Injunction in BPCIA Ustekinumab Case Against Amgen

On March 1, 2023, Janssen filed a motion for preliminary injunction in Janssen Biotech, Inc. v. Amgen Inc., C.A. No. 22-1549-MN, seeking to enjoin Amgen from the commercial manufacturing, sale, and offer for sale of ABP 654, Amgen’s ustekinumab biosimilar.  On the same day, just prior to filing the motion,…

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Alkem Subsidiary Enzene Launches Adalimumab Biosimilar in India

As reported by HealthCareRadius in India, on February 23, 2023, Enzene Biosciences, a subsidiary of Alkem Laboratories, announced commencement of commercial supplies of its biosimilar adalimumab (ENZ-129) in India to treat ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  This is Enzene’s fourth biosimilar launch in the last eighteen months.  In…

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Genentech Files Lawsuits Against Biogen and Millennium for Past Royalties on the Cabilly Patents

This week, Genentech filed separate lawsuits against Biogen and Millennium, alleging breach of a license agreement to the Cabilly patents (U.S. Patent No. 6,331,415 and 7,923,221).  The patents are generally directed to processes for producing an antibody or an antibody fragment by transforming a host cell with a first and…

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USPTO Extends Deadline for Comments on USPTO-FDA Collaboration Initiatives

On February 24, the USPTO extended the written comment period for Joint USPTO–FDA Collaboration Initiatives until March 10, 2023.  As we previously reported, the USPTO requested public input on areas for USPTO-FDA collaboration and engagement in response to President Biden’s Executive Order to “help ensure that the patent system, while incentivizing…

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Goodwin to Host a Conversation on March 1 with Rare Disease Community Leaders

Goodwin’s Life Sciences team does extensive work with innovators in the rare disease space. In recognition of Rare Disease Day and participation in the National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Rare Disease Day campaign to raise awareness, Goodwin’s Boston, DC, Silicon Valley and Santa Monica offices were lit in rare…

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