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.

Genentech Sues Centus Over Proposed Bevacizumab Biosimilar

Yesterday, Genentech, Inc. filed a complaint in the Eastern District of Texas alleging that Centus Biotherapeutics, Ltd., Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics Co., Ltd., Fujifilm Corp., and Kyowa Kirin Co, Ltd. (collectively, Centus) proposed biosimilar to Genentech’s AVASTIN (bevacizumab) product infringes 10 U.S. patents.  Genentech’s complaint, styled as a Complaint for…

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Biosimilar Market Update – Biocon Biologics LTD and Samsung Bioepis

Last week, Biocon Ltd announced the approval of approximately a 150 million USD capital injection from Goldman Sachs.  Dr. Christian Hamacher, CEO, Biocon Biologics, said, “This capital injection by Goldman Sachs will enable us to make prudent investments in R&D, high-quality manufacturing, as well as, establish a global commercial footprint.” …

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European Patent Office rules in favor of Sanofi and Regeneron concerning Praluent® (alirocumab)

On October 29, 2020, the European Patent Office ruled in favor of Sanofi and Regeneron in their dispute concerning Amgen’s Praluent® (alirocumab) patent.  The EPO found invalid certain claims of Amgen’s European patent, EP 2 215 124, which is directed to PCSK9 antibodies.  This EPO decision follows a ruling in…

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Election Day in the US

In observance of Election Day, Goodwin’s US offices are closed on Tuesday, November 3. We encourage everyone in our community to do their civic duty and vote. The BMW blog will be back on Wednesday, November 4.

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SomaLogic Announces Agreement with FDA to Identify Biomarkers for Therapeutic Biologics

Yesterday, SomaLogic, Inc. announced a new five-year agreement and collaboration with the FDA’s Division of Applied Regulatory Science to evaluate the utility of large-scale analysis of proteins for the identification of biomarkers that may be used to help demonstrate whether a proposed biosimilar is biosimilar to a reference product.  According…

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Q3 2020 Earnings Roundup: Biologics and Biosimilars Update

Below are some highlights from third quarter 2020 earnings reports recently released by biologics and biosimilars companies: Biogen reported a decrease in year over year (YoY) revenue of 6% to $3.4 billion, but a 13% increase to $208 million in biosimilar revenue.  It reported the following YoY revenue for each…

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Alvotech Announces Private Placement Financing

Yesterday, Alvotech announced that its parent company, Alvotech Holdings SA, completed a $65 million private placement round, which the company said is part of its $100 million private placement round with a second closing expected shortly.  Alvotech further reported that the $65 million financing resulted in the company issuing new…

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FDA Deferring Action on Spectrum’s ROLONTIS Application As A Result of COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions

On Monday, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA was reportedly unable to conduct its required inspections of Spectrum’s Hanmi Bioplant due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that as a result, the FDA was deferring action on the company’s Biologics License Application for ROLONTIS (eflapegrastim) until the…

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