Pfizer Strengthens Obesity Foothold With Metsera Acquisition
By Katie Anderson, Chief Editor, Pharmaceutical Online
Pfizer Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Metsera Inc. After discouraging efforts to bring two oral obesity drugs to market—danuglipron and lotiglipron—this acquisition launches Pfizer back into the obesity therapeutic game.
“Obesity is a large and growing space with over 200 health conditions associated with it. The proposed acquisition of Metsera aligns with our focus on directing our investments to the most impactful opportunities and propels Pfizer into this key therapeutic area,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer in a company press release.
Metsera’s portfolio includes: injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist MET-097i (phase 2), amylin analog candidate MET-233i (phase I), two oral GLP-1 RA candidates expected to begin clinical trials imminently, and additional preclinical nutrient-stimulated hormone therapeutics.
Pfizer agreed to acquire Metsera for $4.9 billion or $47.50 per share in cash at closing. Additionally, it could owe $5 per share following the Phase 3 clinical trial start of Metsera’s MET-097i+MET-233i combination, $7 per share following U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Metsera’s monthly MET-097i monotherapy, and $10.50 per share following FDA approval of Metsera’s monthly MET-097i+MET-233i combination, if achieved.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by Metsera’s shareholders.
“Today’s announcement sets a path for our portfolio to potentially transform the lives of hundreds of millions of people and represents an excellent outcome for our shareholders. We look forward to joining forces with Pfizer to leverage their global clinical, regulatory, manufacturing and commercial capabilities to realize the promise of improved human health at scale,” noted Metsera CEO and co-founder Whit Bernard in a Pfizer press release.