Pfizer buys monthly GLP-1RA developer Metsera for $4.9bn

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer has acquired Metsera for up to $4.9 billion to strengthen its position in the weight loss treatment market, focusing on longer-lasting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) [1][7] Acquisition Details - Pfizer will purchase Metsera's shares at $47.50 each, a 43% premium over Metsera's closing price of $33.32 on September 19, with the deal expected to close in Q4 2025 [2] - Additional payments of up to $22.50 per share are contingent on achieving specific clinical and regulatory milestones related to Metsera's weight loss drug portfolio [2][6] Market Impact - Following the announcement, Metsera's stock rose 36.6% to $52.59, while Pfizer's shares increased by 1% at market open [3] - Pfizer's market capitalization stands at $139.5 billion [3] Metsera's Product Pipeline - Metsera has developed injectable and oral peptides for weight loss, with a focus on less frequent dosing, targeting monthly administration instead of the weekly dosing typical of current therapies [3][4] - The lead candidate, MET-097i, is in Phase II development and has shown promising weight loss results after 12 weeks [5] - Metsera also has two oral GLP-1RA candidates set to begin clinical trials soon [6] Strategic Positioning - The acquisition positions Pfizer at the forefront of next-generation obesity treatments, aiming to differentiate its offerings in a market currently dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly [7]