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.

Amgen Submits Application for Biosimilar Version of Humira (adalimumab)

Amgen today announced the submission of its first biosimilar application to FDA. The application seeks approval for a biosimilar version of Humira®(adalimumab). As we’ve covered extensively, Amgen is the biologic reference product sponsor and plaintiff in a number of BPCIA cases: Amgen v. Sandoz, Amgen v. Hospira, and Amgen v. Apotex.  This is the first time Amgen has formally appeared on…

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Roundup of Upcoming BPCIA Cases

As we have written about extensively, here, here, and here, the Federal Circuit recently interpreted two key provisions of the BPCIA in Amgen v. Sandoz. Three cases currently pending before District Courts raise related issues and each have the potential to reach the Federal Circuit. In this post, we provide…

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Apotex opposes Amgen’s motion for PI

On Friday, November 16, 2015, Apotex filed its brief in opposition to Amgen’s motion for a preliminary injunction in Amgen v. Apotex.  As we’ve discussed previously here, Amgen has moved to enjoin Apotex from marketing its yet-to-be-approved Neulasta biosimilar until at least 180 days after FDA approval.  Amgen has taken…

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Supplemental Scheduling Order Issued In Amgen v. Apotex

Yesterday Judge Cohn issued a supplemental scheduling order in Amgen v. Apotex.  The hearing for Amgen’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction has been rescheduled for December 3, 2015.  Claim construction briefing will occur in December and January, and the claim construction hearing will be held on February 5, 2016.  Expert reports…

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