Pfizer Bets Big on Obesity and Oncology With 2026 Pipeline Push

Core Insights - Pfizer is focusing on rebuilding its pipeline through acquisitions, investing approximately $9 billion in M&A deals in 2025, including the acquisition of Metsera and a licensing deal with 3SBio to enhance its obesity and oncology pipeline [1][4]. Obesity Pipeline - The acquisition of Metsera has re-entered Pfizer into the obesity market, adding four novel clinical-stage GLP-1 and amylin programs, which have the potential to generate billions in peak sales if successful [4]. - Pfizer plans to initiate or advance over 20 pivotal studies in 2026, including 10 pivotal studies for PF-08653944, a dual PD-1/VEGF inhibitor, and other obesity candidates [2][8]. - The VESPER-3 study showed that PF-08653944 delivered significant weight loss without plateauing at week 28, maintaining competitive tolerability when switching to a monthly dose [5][6]. - Pfizer's obesity portfolio is strengthened by the in-licensing of YP05002 from YaoPharma, alongside other candidates, creating a diverse pipeline [7]. Oncology Pipeline - Pfizer is advancing its oncology pipeline with several candidates in late-stage development, including atirmociclib for metastatic breast cancer and sigvotatug vedotin for non-small cell lung cancer [9]. - The company is also working on expanding the labels of existing cancer products and expects key data readouts for various oncology candidates in 2026 [12]. - PF-08634404, a dual PD-1/VEGF inhibitor, is currently in two large global phase III studies for metastatic colorectal cancer, aiming to overcome limitations of existing therapies [11]. Market Position and Valuation - The obesity market presents a significant opportunity exceeding $100 billion, but Pfizer faces strong competition from established players like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly [13]. - Pfizer's stock has increased by 2.9% over the past year, compared to a 17.2% increase in the industry, and is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 8.98, below the industry average of 18.85 [17][18]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings has slightly declined from $2.97 to $2.96 per share, indicating a stable outlook for 2027 at $2.83 per share [20].