Welcome to the Big Molecule Watch!

ENGLISH | 中文

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.

Now Available! Goodwin’s Guide to Biosimilars Litigation and Regulation in the U.S., 2020-2021 Edition

As regular Big Molecule Watch readers know, the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (“BPCIA”) was signed into law as part of the Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2010, creating an abbreviated licensure pathway for “biosimilar” and “interchangeable” biological products.  The BPCIA also introduced a new scheme to resolve…

Read More

Recent Adalimumab Biosimilar Updates

On February 15, 2021, Celltrion Healthcare announced that the European Commission granted marketing authorization for Yuflyma™ (CT-P17), an adalimumab biosimilar, on February 11, 2021.  Yuflyma™ was approved across all thirteen intended indications covered by the reference biologic, Humira®.  Yuflyma™ is a high concentration, low-volume and citrate-free adalimumab biosimilar, which, according…

Read More

Celltrion begins Phase 3 trial of aflibercept biosimilar

Celltrion Inc. has begun a Phase 3 clinical trial of CT-P42, an aflibercept biosimilar referencing Regeneron’s Eylea.  The trial will enroll 300 patients with diabetic macular edema, and aims to compare CT-P42’s efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity against Eylea. Celltrion adds CT-P42 to its pipeline of other investigational biosimilars, including…

Read More

Clinical Updates

As described below, Adocia, Cue Biopharma, and Eucure Biopharma each recently announced clinical updates with regards to their biologic product candidates or combination therapies. Adocia, a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in France, reported positive results from a clinical pharmacology study using its proprietary BioChaperone® (BC) ultra-rapid prandial insulin formulation.  The study…

Read More

CytoImmune Therapeutics and Biosimilar Sciences US to Move Biotechnology Operations to Puerto Rico

With the support of the economic development organization Invest Puerto Rico, Biosimilar Solutions LLC announced that both it and CytoImmune Therapeutics will be establishing operations on the island to conduct biologics and cell therapy research and development. According to the press release, CytoImmune will relocate to Toa Baja and plans…

Read More

Enzene Biosciences Teriparatide Biosimilar Obtains Marketing Authoriation in India

Enzene Biosciences Ltd., located in Pune, India, has announced that it has obtained marketing authorization from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for its first biosimilar product in India. Enzene’s teriparatide biosimilar, indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis, will be marketed through Enzene’s holding company Alkem Laboratories, Ltd.

Read More

Biocon Biologics Expands Access to Biosimilars In Over 30 Countries In Africa and Asia

Biocon Biologics, a subsidiary of Biocon, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to develop advanced cancer therapies for patients in 25 countries in Africa and 5 countries in Asia as part of the Cancer Access Partnership (CAP). According to the announcement, Biocon Biologics aims…

Read More

Q4 2020 and Full Year Earnings Roundup: Biologics and Biosimilars Update

Below are some highlights from fourth quarter and full year 2020 earnings reports recently released by biologics and biosimilars companies: At the end of last month, Johnson & Johnson reported fourth quarter sales of $22.5 billion reflecting growth of 8.3% and full year sales of $82.6 billion reflecting growth of…

Read More