Pfizer boosts obesity drug prospects with $7.3 billion deal to buy Metsera

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer is acquiring Metsera for up to $7.3 billion to strengthen its position in the growing obesity drug market, following setbacks in its own obesity drug development [1][3][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Pfizer will pay an initial cash price of $47.50 per share for Metsera, representing a nearly 43% premium over Metsera's closing price of $33.32, resulting in an enterprise value of $4.9 billion [1][2]. - The deal includes a contingent value right worth up to $22.50 per share based on Metsera's clinical and regulatory achievements, potentially bringing the total value to $70 per share [2]. - The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year, with Metsera's shares rising over 60% in premarket trading following the announcement [2]. Group 2: Market Context and Potential - The obesity drug market is projected to be worth approximately $100 billion by the 2030s, presenting significant opportunities for new entrants alongside established products from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk [4]. - Pfizer has faced pressure from investors to expedite its entry into the obesity market after struggling with its own drug candidates [3][4]. Group 3: Metsera's Pipeline - Metsera, founded in 2022, has a pipeline that includes both oral and injectable treatments, such as a GLP-1 drug called MET-233i, which showed an 8.4% weight loss in a small trial [5][6]. - The company is also developing a monthly injectable targeting amylin and two oral GLP-1 candidates that are expected to begin trials soon [6]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - Pfizer's CEO stated that the acquisition aligns with the company's strategy to invest in impactful opportunities and leverage its cardiometabolic expertise to enhance its portfolio of potential best-in-class injectables [7]. - Analysts estimate that Metsera's obesity candidates could generate over $5 billion in combined peak annual sales, indicating strong market potential for Pfizer [7].