Core Viewpoint - Pfizer's recent decision to discontinue the development of danuglipron highlights the inherent risks in the drug-development business, with the stock trading approximately 63% below its all-time high while offering a 7.8% dividend yield due to its long-standing dividend-raising streak [1][2]. Drug Development Challenges - The termination of the danuglipron program was due to a liver injury experienced by a patient in a dose-optimization study, emphasizing the unpredictability of drug development [3]. - Despite the setback with danuglipron, Pfizer continues to pursue other weight-management drug candidates, including a GIPR antagonist currently in phase 2 trials [4]. Revenue Concerns - A more pressing issue for Pfizer is the impending loss of patent-protected market exclusivity for Eliquis, which generated $7.4 billion in sales, accounting for 11.6% of total revenue last year [5]. - Eliquis is expected to lose its patent exclusivity in 2026, with generic competition anticipated to enter the U.S. market by 2028 [6]. - The Prevnar vaccine family, contributing over 10% of total sales, is also facing patent expiration, with Prevnar 13 expected to lose exclusivity next year [6]. - Vyndaqel, a treatment for TTR amyloidosis, saw a 64% sales increase to $5.4 billion last year, but it will face competition from new treatments and potential generic options by 2028 [7]. Regulatory Environment - The FDA's recent staff reductions could hinder the drug approval process, raising concerns for Pfizer and the broader industry as they rely on new drug launches to offset revenue losses from expiring patents [8][9]. - The former CDER director's transition to Pfizer's leadership may provide some advantages, but the overall impact of a downsized FDA on drug approvals remains uncertain [9]. Investment Outlook - The pharmaceutical industry may rely on lobbyists to maintain the FDA's drug approval pace, but this reliance is viewed with skepticism [10]. - Pfizer had previously been considered a strong investment due to its recent drug approvals, but the current regulatory environment raises doubts about future growth and the ability to maintain its dividend-raising streak [11][12].