Metsera

Pfizer Finalizes $7.3B Metsera Buy for Next-Gen Obesity Therapy with Monthly Dosing

fizer has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Metsera for up to $7.3B, gaining MET-097i, a next-gen GLP-1 therapy with ultra-long acting, potentially monthly dosing, strong Phase 2a efficacy, and promising tolerability.

SDW Editor

— 2 min read

Pfizer ($PFE) announced it will acquire biotech company Metsera ($MTRS) for an upfront $4.9 billion in cash plus contingent value rights (CVRs) of up to $22.50 per share, bringing the total potential value to $7.3 billion. The deal marks Pfizer’s first major M&A since its 2023 purchase of Seagen, representing a bold move into the rapidly growing GLP-1 and obesity therapy market.

The acquisition gives Pfizer access to Metsera’s lead asset, MET-097i, a next-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist with ultra-long-acting properties and potential for monthly dosing. This could allow Pfizer to compete with established weekly injectables like Wegovy and Zepbound while improving patient adherence.

MET-097i: Next-Gen GLP-1 RA

MET-097i has shown robust Phase 2a efficacy, with up to 11.3% placebo-adjusted weight loss in 12 weeks. The therapy has also demonstrated promising tolerability, with mild gastrointestinal side effects in dose-escalation cohorts. Its ultra-long half-life (15–16 days) supports flexible dosing regimens, including weekly or potential monthly injections, a key differentiator in the competitive obesity market.

Ongoing Clinical Trials and Pipeline

Metsera is actively evaluating monthly dosing for MET-097i in the VESPER-3 Phase 2b trial, following 12 weeks of weekly administration. Preliminary results are expected by late 2025 to early 2026.

The company is also developing MET-233i, an ultra-long-acting amylin analog, with dose escalation and single monthly administration under investigation. Both assets are designed to improve patient adherence and provide versatile treatment options for obesity and overweight populations.

Strategic Implications for Pfizer

Fast-track entry: Pfizer’s own danuglipron program flopped, making the acquisition a quicker route to enter the high-growth obesity market.

Differentiated therapy: MET-097i’s long-acting, potentially monthly dosing could enhance patient compliance versus weekly injectables.

Pipeline expansion: MET-233i and other early-stage candidates offer Pfizer a next-gen obesity and metabolic portfolio with novel mechanisms.

Leverage of infrastructure: According to Pfizer’s announcement, the company intends to apply its deep cardiometabolic expertise, as well as its global manufacturing and commercial infrastructure, to accelerate Metsera’s pipeline. This includes four highly differentiated clinical-stage incretin and amylin programs, along with additional oral and peptide-engineered candidates aimed at reducing dosing frequency while improving efficacy and tolerability.

If successful, this deal positions Pfizer to compete aggressively in the evolving GLP-1 landscape and capture a share of the multi-billion-dollar obesity therapy market.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. No representations or warranties are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult a qualified financial or medical professional before making any investment or treatment decisions.

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