PFE Buys Oral GLP-1 Drug From China Biotech to Boost Obesity Presence
PfizerPfizer(US:PFE) ZACKS·2025-12-10 13:46

Core Insights - Pfizer (PFE) has secured exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize YP05002, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist from YaoPharma, which is currently in phase I trials for obesity treatment [1][11] - The collaboration enhances Pfizer's position in the obesity market, especially after its previous setback with danuglipron [4][6] - The obesity market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, with Pfizer aiming to compete against established players like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk [7][8] Company Developments - YaoPharma will complete the phase I study of YP05002 before transferring rights to Pfizer, which plans to evaluate it alongside its GIPR antagonist PF-07976016 [2][11] - Pfizer will pay YaoPharma an upfront fee of $150 million, with potential milestone payments up to $1.935 billion and tiered royalties on sales if YP05002 is approved [3][11] - Pfizer's acquisition of Metsera for $10 billion adds four novel clinical-stage programs in obesity, reinforcing its strategy to regain a foothold in this market [4][5][6] Market Context - The obesity treatment landscape is competitive, with companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly leading with injectable GLP-1 drugs [7][8] - Novo Nordisk is advancing oral formulations of its drugs, while Lilly is preparing to file for regulatory approval for its oral GLP-1 candidate, orforglipron [9][8] - Structure Therapeutics has also reported positive data for its oral GLP-1 candidate, aleniglipron, indicating a growing interest in oral treatments for obesity [12] Financial Performance - Pfizer's stock has decreased by 4.5% this year, contrasting with a 12.8% increase in the industry [13] - The company's valuation appears attractive, trading at a price/earnings ratio of 8.04, lower than the industry average of 16.48 and its own 5-year mean of 10.43 [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pfizer's earnings in 2025 has increased from $3.08 to $3.14 per share, while the estimate for 2026 remains stable at $3.15 [16]