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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.

EMA CHMP Recommends Three Biosimilars - Big Molecule Watch

The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recently adopted positive opinions for three biosimilar products.  On June 23, 2022, CHMP recommended the grant of a marketing authorization for RANIVISIO (ranibizumab) to Midas Pharma GmbH.  RANIVISIO references LUCENTIS® and, if approved, would be used to…

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China NMPA Approves TYVYT (sintilimab) - Big Molecule Watch

On June 24, 2022, Innovent Biologics, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China approved the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for TYVYT (sintilimab)—a monoclonal antibody that targets and binds to PD-1 molecules resulting in the death of cancer cells—in combination with…

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Formycon Q1 2022 Financial Results - Big Molecule Watch

First Quarter Earnings Graphic

Formycon recently announced its sales and earnings figures for the first quarter of 2022.  Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to EUR -4.0 million (Q1/previous year: EUR -1.7 million), which was in line with expectations.  According to the press release, the reported revenues were mainly a result…

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Sandoz’s Biosimilar Application Accepted - Big Molecule Watch

Sandoz recently announced that the EMA (European Medicines Agency) has accepted its application for a 100 mg/ml citrate-free formulation of its biosimilar HYRIMOZ® (adalimumab).  The indications covered in the application include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and uveitis.  According to the press release, Sandoz has conducted a…

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Alvotech Debuted on Nasdaq - Big Molecule Watch

Alvotech, a global biotech company focused solely on the development and manufacture of biosimilar medicines announced yesterday that its ordinary shares and warrants will begin trading on Nasdaq today, June 16, under the new ticker symbols “ALVO” and “ALVOW”, respectively.  The debut on Nasdaq follows completion of the company’s business…

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Organon and Henlius license agreement - Big Molecule Watch

Organon announced yesterday that it has entered into an agreement with Henlius, whereby Organon will license commercialization rights for biosimilar candidates referencing PERJETA® (pertuzumab) and PROLIA®/XGEVA® (denosumab).  According to the press release, Henlius independently developed both biosimilar products.  Organon will acquire exclusive global commercialization rights except for China.  The agreement…

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FDA Approves Amgen’s RIABNI™ (Rituximab-arrx) for Adults With Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis

On June 6, 2022, Amgen announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Amgen’s RIABNI (rituximab-arrx), a biosimilar to Genentech’s RITUXAN®, in combination with methotrexate for treatment of moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  RIABNI has been approved since December 2020 for treatment of adult patients with…

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