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.

CHMP adopts positive opinions on two bevacizumab biosimilars

At its January meeting last week, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended approval for two biosimilar bevacizumab medicines, Alymsys and Oyavas.  Mabxience Research SL’s Alymsys and STADA Arzneimittel AG’s Oyavas both received positive opinions for the treatment of carcinoma of the colon or rectum, breast cancer, non-small…

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FDA Accepts Bio-Thera Solutions’ Biologics License Application for BAT1706, a Proposed Biosimilar to Avastin®

On January 28, 2021, Bio-Thera Solutions announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted its Biologics License Application (BLA) for BAT1706, a proposed biosimilar to Avastin® (bevacizumab).  The BLA seeks approval of BAT1706 for the treatment of diseases for which the US-licensed Avastin is approved, including metastatic colorectal cancer…

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That’s a Wrap – Biosimilars Guide Webinar Series

We have concluded our webinar series relating to Goodwin’s Guide to Biosimilars Litigation and Regulation in the U.S., which provides expert guidance and practical know-how for lawyers working in this growing area of the law. This webinar series provided an opportunity to dive deep into some of the key topics…

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Recent Biosimilars Deals

On January 13, 2021, EVOQ announced a license and collaboration agreement with Amgen for the development of new drugs for autoimmune disorders.  According to the press release, Amgen and EVOQ will collaborate on preclinical development and Amgen will be responsible for clinical development and commercialization.  Amgen’s portfolio includes biosimilars AMGEVITA…

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Everest Medicines Announces Approval of Clinical Trial Application by China National Medical Products Administration for Phase 3 Registration Trial of Sacituzumab Govitecan-Hziy for Metastatic Urothelial Cancer

On January 6, 2021, Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK) announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of the People’s Republic of China approved a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for sacituzumab govitecan-hziy for the treatment of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC).  With this CTA, Everest Medicines plans to enroll patients in China…

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Sanofi to Acquire Kymab for up to $1.45 Billion

Sanofi announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Kymab, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing fully human monoclonal antibodies with a focus on immune-mediated diseases and immuno-oncology therapeutics, for an upfront payment of approximately $1.1 billion and up to $350 million upon achievement of certain milestones.  The acquisition…

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