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.

Updates on Recent Foreign Approvals and Launches

On May 26, 2023, the European Commission granted the marketing authorization to Samsung Bioepis for EPYSQLI, a biosimilar referencing SOLIRIS (eculizumab) developed by Alexion for the treatment of the paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) that had global sales of approximately $5 trillion last year. As the first hematology biosimilar developed by…

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Alnylam Files New COVID-19 Vaccine Infringement Lawsuits Against Pfizer and Moderna

Last Friday, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Alnylam”) filed new complaints for patent infringement in the District of Delaware against Pfizer and Moderna. This is the third time Alnylam has sued Pfizer and Moderna in Delaware alleging their COVID-19 vaccine lipid nanoparticle technology infringes Alnylam’s patent rights. The patents-in-suit are U.S. Patent…

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Alvotech and Advanz Pharma Extend Partnership to Commercialize Five Proposed Biosimilars in Europe

Advanz Pharma (“Advanz”) and Alvotech announced that they entered an exclusive partnership agreement regarding supply and commercialization of five biosimilars in Europe, with Alvotech responsible for the development and commercial supply of the biosimilars, and Advanz responsible for registration and commercialization in Europe.  Per the announcement, the agreement includes proposed…

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Amgen Intervenes in Regeneron v. Mylan BPCIA Aflibercept Litigation to Seek Public Access to Sealed Documents

As we have previously reported, Regeneron’s BPCIA case against Mylan regarding Mylan’s proposed aflibercept biosimilar is proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, with a two-week trial scheduled to begin on June 12, 2023.  On May 23, 2023, Amgen filed a motion to intervene in…

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FDA Approves Celltrion’s YUFLYMA (adalimumab-aaty), a Biosimilar to HUMIRA

Today Celltrion announced that the FDA approved its biosimilar product, YUFLYMA (adalimumab-aaty), a high-concentration (100mg/mL) and citrate-free formulation of HUMIRA.  YUFLYMA is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.  As we previously reported, Celltrion…

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New Patents Listed in the Purple Book for Regeneron’s EYLEA

FDA’s Purple Book provides a searchable database of licensed biological products and includes the patent information provided to biosimilar applicants during the BPCIA patent dance.  As we previously reported, a patent list for Regeneron’s EYLEA (aflibercept) was added to the Purple Book in April 2022.  That original list contained 29 patents, including…

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FDA Approves the Cyltezo Pen, an Autoinjector Option for Adalimumab

On May 22, 2023, Boehringer Ingelheim announced that the FDA has approved the Cyltezo Pen, a new autoinjector option for Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm). According to a previous announcement from Boehringer Ingelheim, Cyltezo is an FDA-approved Interchangeable biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab) and its commercial license will begin on July 1, 2023. Initially…

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Janssen and Amgen Settle STELARA (Ustekinumab) BPCIA Litigation

We previously reported on Janssen’s complaint alleging that Amgen’s filing of an aBLA for ustekinumab, a biosimilar of STELARA, infringes Janssen patents, and about Janssen seeking a preliminary injunction to block Amgen from the commercial manufacturing, sale, and offer for sale of its ustekinumab product.  Briefing for the PI motion was…

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Amneal Launches FYLNETRA (pegfilgrastim-pbbk) in the United States

Last week, Amneal announced the launch of FYLNETRA (pegfilgrastim-pbbk), a biosimilar to Amgen’s NEULASTA, in the United States.  According to the press release, FYLNETRA—Amneal’s third biosimilar launch in the United States since late last year—is used to treat neutropenia (low neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infection)…

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