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Pfizer to Buy Metsera in Up to $7.3 Billion Obesity Bet

The purchase marks Pfizer’s pivot toward cardiometabolic drugs following setbacks in its oral GLP‑1 program.

Overview

  • Pfizer agreed to acquire Metsera for $4.9 billion upfront with contingent payments lifting the total value to as much as $7.3 billion, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals targeted for closing in the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • The deal pays $47.50 per share in cash, a 47% premium, with up to $22.50 per share tied to development milestones.
  • Metsera’s lead candidate, MET-097i, is a long-acting GLP‑1 injectable being studied for monthly dosing that showed a 7.5% body‑weight reduction after 37 days in early data, with Phase 2 results expected this year and no Phase 3 yet underway.
  • Pfizer leaders said the acquisition provides a path to leadership in obesity and described Metsera’s portfolio as a potential growth driver later in the decade.
  • Analysts noted tough competition from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and said the purchase could spur continued investment in next‑generation obesity R&D in China rather than bring many new entrants.