Pfizer files second lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, Metsera in bidding war over obesity biotech
CNBC·2025-11-03 16:39

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer has filed a second lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Metsera, claiming that Novo Nordisk's attempt to acquire Metsera is anticompetitive and aims to maintain its dominance in the obesity market by eliminating competition [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit alleges that Novo Nordisk's proposed acquisition of Metsera would eliminate a smaller competitor in the obesity market, which is crucial for maintaining its dominant position [2]. - Pfizer's first lawsuit was filed to block Metsera from terminating its existing merger deal with Pfizer, claiming that Novo Nordisk's offer does not qualify as a superior proposal due to significant regulatory risks [4][5]. Group 2: Company Responses - Metsera has responded to Pfizer's allegations, stating that Pfizer is attempting to litigate its way to a lower acquisition price and that the arguments presented by Pfizer are unfounded [3]. - Novo Nordisk has not yet commented on the latest lawsuit filed by Pfizer [2]. Group 3: Market Context - Pfizer's initial offer to acquire Metsera was valued at $4.9 billion, potentially rising to $7.3 billion with future payments, which is seen as a strategic move to enter the weight loss drug market [3]. - Novo Nordisk's recent takeover bid for Metsera is valued at around $6 billion, prompting Pfizer to renegotiate its offer within a tight deadline [4]. - Novo Nordisk has been a key player in the weight loss drug market with successful products like Ozempic and Wegovy but has recently lost market leadership to Eli Lilly [6].