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.

Commission Issues Exclusion Order in Botox Trade Secret Case

In July we reported that the presiding Administrative Law Judge recommended issuing an exclusion order blocking the importation of Jeuveau® (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs), Evolus’s follow-on biologic to Allergan’s Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA injection).  Since that time, the parties have submitted lengthy Petitions for Review and answered questions raised by the Commissioners.  Now, the Commission has ruled….

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Federal Circuit Affirms PTAB Finding that Rituxan® Biogen Patent is Invalid

As we previously reported, in October 2018, Pfizer persuaded the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) that the claims of Biogen’s U.S. Patent No. 8,821,873, directed to a method of treating lymphoma with anti-CD20 antibodies and covering the cancer therapeutic RITUXAN (rituximab), were unpatentable on obviousness grounds. After appealing to…

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Boehringer Ingelheim Files Citizen Petition Urging FDA to Address “Strength” Definition for Biosimilars, Citing Concerns Over Evergreening

On December 2, 2020, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. submitted a Citizen Petition to the FDA, requesting that it interpret the term “strength” in section 351(k) of the Public Health Service Act for parenteral solutions to mean “total drug content,” without regard to concentration.  Boehringer Ingelheim maintains that this correction would…

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Adalimumab Biosimilar Update: Shanghai Henlius Biotech’s Approval in China and Celltrion’s Positive Opinion in the EU

Last week, Shanghai Henlius Biotech announced that China’s National Medical Products Administration has approved its adalimumab biosimilar candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.  Henlius stated that this is its third biosimilar approval in China, following approval of its rituximab and trastuzumab biosimilar products. Celltrion…

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