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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.

Alvotech Debuted on Nasdaq - Big Molecule Watch

Alvotech, a global biotech company focused solely on the development and manufacture of biosimilar medicines announced yesterday that its ordinary shares and warrants will begin trading on Nasdaq today, June 16, under the new ticker symbols “ALVO” and “ALVOW”, respectively.  The debut on Nasdaq follows completion of the company’s business…

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Organon and Henlius license agreement - Big Molecule Watch

Organon announced yesterday that it has entered into an agreement with Henlius, whereby Organon will license commercialization rights for biosimilar candidates referencing PERJETA® (pertuzumab) and PROLIA®/XGEVA® (denosumab).  According to the press release, Henlius independently developed both biosimilar products.  Organon will acquire exclusive global commercialization rights except for China.  The agreement…

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FDA Approves Amgen’s RIABNI™ (Rituximab-arrx) for Adults With Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis

On June 6, 2022, Amgen announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Amgen’s RIABNI (rituximab-arrx), a biosimilar to Genentech’s RITUXAN®, in combination with methotrexate for treatment of moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  RIABNI has been approved since December 2020 for treatment of adult patients with…

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BYOOVIZ Launch - Big Molecule Watch

On June 2, 2022, Biogen Inc. and Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. announced  that BYOOVIZ™ (ranibizumab-nuna), a biosimilar referencing Genentech’s LUCENTIS®, will be available in the United States on July 1, 2022.  BYOOVIZ™ is the first FDA approved ophthalmology biosimilar.  The FDA approved BYOOVIZ™ in September 2021 for the treatment of neovascular…

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Sandoz New Global "Act4Biosimilars" Initiative - Big Molecule Watch

On May 31, 2022, Sandoz announced the launch of a new global initiative called “Act4Biosimilars” to help address health inequity and inequality worldwide. Act4Biosimilars aims to increase patient access to advanced medicines by facilitating greater approvability, accessibility, acceptability and affordability (the 4 A’s) of biosimilars. The initiative is supported by…

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