In a major pharmaceutical industry shakeup, American drug giant Pfizer has finalized its acquisition of biotech firm Metsera in a deal valued at up to $10 billion. The completion was announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, marking Pfizer's strategic entry into the rapidly expanding weight loss medication market.
Bidding War and Final Terms
The acquisition followed an intense bidding competition between Pfizer and Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, maker of popular weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. Pfizer ultimately secured the deal with an offer of up to $86.25 per share, structured with $65.60 per share in cash and an additional $20.65 per share contingent on the success of Metsera's drug pipeline.
Metsera shareholders have approved the transaction, clearing the final hurdle for Pfizer to gain access to the company's specialized obesity treatment portfolio. The acquisition represents one of the largest pharmaceutical deals of the year and signals Pfizer's serious commitment to competing in the lucrative weight loss drug sector.
Strategic Market Position
Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition in an official statement. "By acquiring Metsera, we are directing our resources toward one of the most impactful and high-growth therapeutic areas and positioning ourselves to define it," Bourla stated.
He further explained that the combination of Metsera's innovative portfolio with Pfizer's global development, manufacturing, and commercial infrastructure would create significant competitive advantages. The move comes as demand for effective obesity treatments continues to surge globally, including in Nigeria where lifestyle diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Antitrust Considerations
The potential sale of Metsera to Novo Nordisk had previously drawn regulatory scrutiny over possible antitrust implications. Had Novo Nordisk succeeded in acquiring Metsera, it would have further consolidated the Danish company's dominant position in the weight loss drug market.
Pfizer's successful acquisition instead creates a new major competitor in the space, potentially leading to more treatment options and competitive pricing for consumers worldwide. The deal positions Pfizer to challenge Novo Nordisk's current market leadership in obesity medications.
The completion of this $10 billion acquisition represents a significant milestone for Pfizer as it diversifies its product portfolio and strengthens its position in one of healthcare's fastest-growing segments. The global weight loss drug market is projected to continue its rapid expansion, making this strategic move particularly timely for the pharmaceutical giant.
