Pfizer wins early US antitrust nod for Metsera deal

Core Points - Pfizer has received early U.S. antitrust clearance for its proposed $7.3 billion acquisition of Metsera, which is now challenged by Novo Nordisk's higher $8.5 billion offer [1][2] - Metsera has declared Novo's offer superior and has given Pfizer until Tuesday to raise its bid [1] - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, allowing Pfizer to proceed without further antitrust review [2] - Metsera shareholders are scheduled to vote on the deal on November 13 [2] - Pfizer criticized Novo Nordisk for attempting to suppress competition in the obesity drug market, labeling its bid as "reckless" [3] - The acquisition is part of Pfizer's strategy to enter the $150 billion obesity drug market amid declining COVID-19 revenues and upcoming patent expirations [4] - Pfizer currently does not sell any weight-loss treatments and has faced challenges in developing its own [4]