The American biotech company Metsera, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Pfizer Inc., according to which Pfizer will acquire Metsera for $10 billion. This is reported in the Metsera press release.
The agreement includes an amendment to Pfizer's previous offer with an increase in the price to $86.25 per share, including $65.6 per share at closing plus additional payments of $20.65 per share (159% higher than the closing price of Metasera shares in September). The Board of Directors of Metsera unanimously recommended that Metsera shareholders approve the adoption of the amended agreement and approve the merger with Pfizer.
Pfizer beat Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk A/S in the competition after the refusal of the American regulator (US Federal Trade Commission, FTC) to approve Novo Nordisk's application due to the potential risks associated with Novo's proposal. At the same time, Pfizer has already received FTC approval to participate in the bidding.
From Metsera's point of view, a deal with Novo Nordisk would result in "unacceptably high legal and regulatory risks for Metsera and its shareholders" due to U.S. antitrust regulations. Pfizer expects to finalize the deal after the November 13 meeting of Metsera shareholders.
As a result of a "thorough review of the situation," Novo decided not to increase the supply and "to find new business development opportunities that meet the criteria for profitability and capital allocation of the company."
The competition campaign between the two largest pharmaceutical companies reflects the serious challenges facing the business. In particular, Novo is trying to boost its stock price due to slowing profit growth and falling share price, losing ground to American competitor Eli Lilly, injection manufacturer Mounjaro and Zepbound.
After declining demand for Covid-19 vaccines and several unsuccessful attempts with weight loss drugs, Pfizer is looking for real opportunities to expand its presence in the anti-obesity segment. In addition, the loss of patents will lead to a decline in sales of more than $15 billion by 2030. Pfizer expects to conclude two or three deals totaling up to $15 billion in order to expand its asset portfolio.
Metsera aims to become a leader in the next-generation obesity drugs market, which is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Metsera shares rose 2% to $83.18 per share, increasing the company's market value to $8.75 billion.
Metsera is one of the promising next-generation startups in the market of anti-obesity drugs. In particular, the company has developed the drug Metsera MET-233i, which helps patients lose up to 8.4% of their weight in 36 days and is more acceptable than injections developed by Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly & Co., which cause side effects with high frequency.
Earlier, Novo Nordisk unexpectedly offered $9 billion (6.9 billion pounds) for the assets of Metsera, despite the fact that Pfizer won the auction in September 2025 and the board of directors of Metsera officially notified Pfizer that it considers the deal with Novo Nordisk to be more profitable.
Pfizer reacted sharply to the actions of its competitor and filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk in the federal court of Delaware over interference in the deal, but the judge rejected Pfizer's request to temporarily block Novo's application.
Pfizer is an American multinational biopharmaceutical company. The company specializes in the production and sale of low molecular weight and biological drugs, including vaccines for humans and animals, over-the-counter drugs and products for healthy nutrition. It is headquartered in New York City with its main research center in Groton, Connecticut.
Metsera is an American biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for obesity and related diseases. The company specializes in injectable and oral hormone therapy. The headquarters is located in New York (USA).
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