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.

Formycon Announces Details for Pembrolizumab Biosimilar

This week Formycon AG (“Formycon”) announced details of its previously undisclosed pipeline project for FYB206, Formycon’s biosimilar of KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab). KEYTRUDA is approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma, lung and other types of carcinoma. According to the press release, Formycon fully owns the development and commercialization rights for FYB206,…

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European Regulatory Heads Make Biosimilars Interchangeable

On September 19, 2022, the European Medicines Agency’s (“EMA”) Biosimilar Medicines Working Party (“BMWP”) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (“HMA”), a network of the heads of the authorities responsible for the regulation of medicinal products for human use in the European Economic Area, issued a Joint Statement confirming that…

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Genentech and Samsung Bioepis Settle Bevacizumab Biosimilar Patent Dispute

As we previously reported, on June 28, 2020, Genentech, Inc. (“Genentech”) filed a complaint against Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. (“Samsung”) in the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of fourteen patents under the BPCIA based on Samsung’s submission of an aBLA for SB8, a proposed biosimilar of AVASTIN (bevacizumab). On September 7, 2022, Genentech and Samsung filed…

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Regeneron Seeks Expedited Trial in BPCIA Case Against Mylan Regarding Aflibercept Biosimilar

As we previously reported, Regeneron filed a BPCIA complaint against Mylan on August 3, 2022, regarding Mylan’s proposed aflibercept biosimilar.  Just two days after filing its Complaint, Regeneron filed a motion requesting an expedited status conference and to schedule a trial for no later than June 2023.  Briefing on Regeneron’s…

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Biogen Files Sealed Complaint Against Sandoz and Polpharma Biologics Regarding Natalizumab

On September 9, 2022, Biogen filed a complaint in the District of Delaware against Sandoz and Polpharma Biologics.  Biogen’s complaint is filed under seal.  Based on the list of 28 asserted patents, the case appears to be a BPCIA litigation related to Sandoz and Polpharma’s proposed natalizumab biosimilar.  The asserted…

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Fresenius Kabi Announces FDA Approval of Pegfilgrastim Biosimilar

On September 6, Fresenius Kabi announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved STIMUFEND (pegfilgrastim), a biosimilar referencing NEULASTA, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.  The company states that it expects to launch the product in…

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Biocon and Alvotech Release Statements on FDA Inspections

On August 31, 2022, Biocon Biologics released a statement regarding three recent on-site FDA inspections of seven manufacturing facilities spanning two sites in Bengaluru, India and one site in Johor, Malaysia.  The inspections took place between August 11 and August 30, 2022.  The inspections were triggered by three preapproval inspections…

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