Pfizer Acquires Metsera — a major move that signals the pharmaceutical giant’s renewed push into the fast-growing obesity drug market. On Monday, Pfizer announced it will acquire Metsera, a weight-loss biotech company, in a deal valued at up to $7.3 billion, including contingent future payments.
This acquisition is designed to help Pfizer secure a competitive position in the global weight-loss market, which analysts predict could reach $100 billion annually by the 2030s.
Details of the Pfizer-Metsera Deal
Pfizer confirmed it will pay $47.50 per share in cash for Metsera, representing a 43% premium over Metsera’s closing price of $33.32 on Friday. This values the deal at $4.9 billion in enterprise value, with the potential to grow further.
The agreement also includes a contingent value right (CVR) worth up to $22.50 per share if Metsera achieves certain clinical and regulatory milestones. If these goals are met, the total value of the deal could reach $70 per share, bringing the acquisition cost to roughly $7.3 billion.
The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Metsera’s Drug Pipeline
Founded in 2022, Metsera has quickly become a leading player in the development of next-generation obesity treatments. Its pipeline includes both injectable and oral weight-loss therapies that work in multiple ways to help patients manage obesity.
Key candidates include:
- MET-233i: A GLP-1 receptor agonist in development as a once-monthly injectable. Early-stage trials showed patients lost up to 8.4% of their body weight in just 36 days, suggesting strong potential for real-world results.
- Amylin-based Therapy: A once-monthly drug targeting amylin, a hormone involved in appetite control.
- Two Oral GLP-1 Candidates: Expected to begin clinical trials soon, offering patients an alternative to injectable treatments.
This diversified portfolio makes Metsera an attractive acquisition for Pfizer, which aims to become a serious competitor to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy — two of the most popular weight-loss injections currently dominating the market.
Why Pfizer Acquires Metsera
Pfizer’s obesity drug strategy has faced several setbacks in recent years. Its lead candidate, danuglipron, was discontinued in April 2025 due to safety concerns. Another once-daily pill was halted in June 2023 after elevated liver enzymes were detected in trial participants.
By acquiring Metsera, Pfizer gains access to a promising pipeline that could fast-track its re-entry into the market. According to Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, the acquisition “aligns with our focus on directing investments to the most impactful opportunities and propels Pfizer into this key therapeutic area.”
He added that Pfizer plans to use its global manufacturing capacity and commercial infrastructure to accelerate the development and launch of Metsera’s products, potentially bringing them to patients sooner.
Market Impact and Analyst Reactions
Shares of Metsera surged more than 60% in premarket trading following the announcement, reflecting investor excitement over the premium buyout price. Pfizer shares also gained over 1%, signaling market approval of the strategic move.
Analysts were quick to weigh in:
- Leerink Partners projected that Metsera’s obesity drug candidates could generate over $5 billion in peak annual sales if successful.
- JPMorgan stated that the deal will “accelerate Pfizer’s entry into the obesity drug market” and help it compete with current industry leaders.
The Booming Obesity Drug Market
The global weight-loss drug market has exploded in recent years, thanks to breakthrough GLP-1 therapies. Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy have become blockbuster drugs, with demand far exceeding supply in some regions.
Analysts predict that the market could be worth $100 billion annually by the early 2030s, creating huge opportunities for companies like Pfizer to introduce new treatments. With Metsera’s pipeline, Pfizer now has a chance to carve out a share of this lucrative sector.
What This Means for Patients
Obesity remains a global health challenge, affecting over 650 million adults worldwide according to the WHO. New treatments that are more effective, longer-lasting, and easier to take are critical for helping patients achieve better outcomes.
Metsera’s once-monthly injectable candidate, MET-233i, could be a game-changer by offering greater convenience compared to weekly injections, potentially improving patient compliance.
What’s Next for Pfizer and Metsera
Once the deal closes, Pfizer will integrate Metsera’s research and development operations into its own cardiometabolic division. The focus will be on accelerating clinical trials and preparing for regulatory submissions to bring these therapies to market as quickly as possible.
Industry experts expect that Pfizer could launch its first obesity drug from Metsera’s pipeline by the late 2020s, giving it time to catch up to its competitors and potentially introduce therapies with best-in-class profiles.
Source: CNBC
