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.

Court Grants Summary Judgment Ending AstraZeneca's Lawsuit Challenging the IRA

Today, the district court for the District of Delaware (Judge Connolly) granted the government’s motion for summary judgment on all claims brought by AstraZeneca in its Complaint challenging the Drug Price Negotiation Program of the IRA. AstraZeneca raised three challenges to the IRA’s Drug Price Negotiation Program: Counts I and…

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Post-Trial Updates on Regeneron v. Mylan (Aflibercept) BPCIA Litigation

Appeals from and redacted memorandum and opinion in support of judgment in Regeneron v. Mylan (aflibercept) BPCIA case filed As we previously reported, trial in Regeneron Pharmaceutical, Inc.’s BPCIA case against Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Biocon Biologics, Inc. (collectively, “the Biocon Defendants”) regarding the Biocon Defendants’ proposed aflibercept biosimilar concluded…

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Genentech and Partners Voluntarily Dismiss IPR Appeals Related to Genentech’s ACTEMRA® (Tocilizumab)

Full frame of molecular structure of liquids in motion.

On February 12, 2024, Chugai, Genentech, and Hoffmann-La Roche filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of their appeals of the PTAB’s Final Written Decisions in IPR2022-00578 and IPR2022-00579.  The appeals concerned IPRs filed by Celltrion where the PTAB found all challenged claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,580,264 and 10,874,677 were…

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Artiva Biotherapeutics Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for AlloNK in Lupus Nephritis

On February 22, 2024, Artiva announced that the FDA has granted Fast Track designation to Artiva’s AlloNK (AB-101) for the treatment of lupus nephritis in combination with rituximab or obinutuzumab. AlloNK is an allogeneic, off-the shelf, NK cell therapy that is not genetically modified and designed to enhance the antibody-dependent…

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Alvotech Announces More Settlements and Expected Launch Dates Regarding Biosimilar to STELARA (ustekinumab), AVT04

On February 15, Alvotech announced that it reached more settlement agreements with Johnson & Johnson for ATV04, Alvotech’s biosimilar to STELARA (ustekinumab).  The settlements cover Canada, the European Economic Area, and Japan, clearing the way for Alvotech to launch AVT04 in those markets, where AVT04 has already received regulatory approval. …

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FDA Approves XOLAIR to Treat Children and Adults With One or More Food Allergies

Genentech announced on February 16, 2024, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved XOLAIR (omalizumab) for the reduction of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to one or more foods in adult and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated…

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PTAB Institutes Celltrion and Biocon IPRs on Regeneron Aflibercept Dosing Patent

Late last month, a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) panel instituted two petitions that were filed separately by Celltrion and Biocon for inter partes review (“IPR”) of Regeneron’s U.S. Patent 11,253,572 (“the ’572 patent”) and joined the two IPR proceedings with a pending IPR proceeding filed by Samsung Bioepis…

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FDA Issues a Final Rule on Biologics License Applications, Investigational New Drug Applications and Master Files

On February 12, the FDA issued a final rule regarding the use of Drug Master Files (“DMF”) in Biologics License Applications. DMFs are submissions to the FDA “used to provide confidential, detailed information about facilities, processes, or articles used in the manufacturing, processing, packaging, and storing of human drug products.” …

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Court Dismisses PhRMA Lawsuit Challenging IRA

Today, the district court for the Western District of Texas granted the government’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought by PhRMA and other organizations challenging the Drug Price Negotiation Program of the Inflation Reduction Act.  The lawsuit was brought by three Plaintiffs: PhRMA, the Global Colon Cancer Association, and the…

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