3 6 Ke·2025-11-07 02:10Core Viewpoint - The competition between Pfizer and Novo Nordisk for the acquisition of Metsera, a developer of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, has intensified, with Pfizer initially agreeing to a $4.9 billion cash deal plus $2.4 billion in milestone payments, only to be challenged by Novo Nordisk's higher bids, leading to a legal battle over antitrust concerns [1][7]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Pfizer signed a merger agreement with Metsera for a total of $4.9 billion in cash and $2.4 billion in milestone payments [1]. - Novo Nordisk initially offered $9 billion, later increasing its bid to $10 billion, which has caused uncertainty among Metsera's management [1][7]. - Pfizer opted for a legal approach by filing an antitrust lawsuit against Novo Nordisk instead of engaging in direct bidding [1][7]. Group 2: Metsera's Pipeline - Metsera has three clinical-stage products: MET-097i, MET-233i, and MET-002, which are the focal points of the acquisition competition [1][3]. - MET-097i is a GLP-1 receptor agonist currently in Phase 2, noted for its potential enhanced efficacy compared to traditional GLP-1 drugs [3]. - MET-233i is an Amylin analog in Phase 1, showing promising results with a weight loss efficiency of up to 8.4% over 36 days and a long half-life allowing for monthly dosing [4][6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Novo Nordisk's interest in Metsera stems from its need to regain competitiveness in the weight loss drug market after being outperformed by Eli Lilly's dual receptor agonist [5][7]. - Eli Lilly is focusing on building a strong market position with its dual-target therapies, while Novo Nordisk is heavily investing in combinations of GLP-1 and Amylin [5][6]. - The upcoming competition in the weight loss drug market is characterized by strategic positioning and the development of combination therapies, with both Pfizer and Novo Nordisk aiming to secure their foothold [7].