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.

Regeneron Seeks Expedited Trial in BPCIA Case Against Mylan Regarding Aflibercept Biosimilar

As we previously reported, Regeneron filed a BPCIA complaint against Mylan on August 3, 2022, regarding Mylan’s proposed aflibercept biosimilar.  Just two days after filing its Complaint, Regeneron filed a motion requesting an expedited status conference and to schedule a trial for no later than June 2023.  Briefing on Regeneron’s…

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Biogen Files Sealed Complaint Against Sandoz and Polpharma Biologics Regarding Natalizumab

On September 9, 2022, Biogen filed a complaint in the District of Delaware against Sandoz and Polpharma Biologics.  Biogen’s complaint is filed under seal.  Based on the list of 28 asserted patents, the case appears to be a BPCIA litigation related to Sandoz and Polpharma’s proposed natalizumab biosimilar.  The asserted…

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Fresenius Kabi Announces FDA Approval of Pegfilgrastim Biosimilar

On September 6, Fresenius Kabi announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved STIMUFEND (pegfilgrastim), a biosimilar referencing NEULASTA, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.  The company states that it expects to launch the product in…

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Biocon and Alvotech Release Statements on FDA Inspections

On August 31, 2022, Biocon Biologics released a statement regarding three recent on-site FDA inspections of seven manufacturing facilities spanning two sites in Bengaluru, India and one site in Johor, Malaysia.  The inspections took place between August 11 and August 30, 2022.  The inspections were triggered by three preapproval inspections…

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Outlook Therapeutics Re-Submits Its Ophthalmic Bevacizumab BLA

On August 30, 2022, Outlook Therapeutics, Inc. announced that it has re-submitted its Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA for ONS-5010, “an investigational ophthalmic therapy which, if approved, will be branded as LYTENAVA (bevacizumab-vikg) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).”   As we previously reported, Outlook…

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Biosimilar Regulatory Approval Updates

Teva announced today that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for RANIVISIO, a biosimilar ranibizumab, for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  Teva entered into a strategic partnership with Bioeq AG for the exclusive commercialization of ranibizumab.  According to the press release, RANIVISIO (ranibizumab) will be the first…

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