BioCentury This Week Ep. 321 - Pfizer’s Obesity Play & U.K. in Focus
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Sep 23, 2025 Pfizer is making waves with a $4.9 billion acquisition that revives its obesity drug ambitions. The discussion includes insights from a high-profile meeting in the U.K. focusing on drug pricing and NHS challenges. Experts also dive into the intricacies of U.S. drug pricing policies and the potential impact of China’s regulations. Additionally, the latest advancements in narcolepsy treatments spark excitement, especially after successes in phase III trials. Tune in for a whirlwind tour of the life sciences landscape!
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Pfizer Buys A Fast Track Into Obesity
- Pfizer re-entered the obesity race by acquiring MetSera for $4.9B plus potential CVR upside to gain peptide and oral programs.
- MetSera's injectables and a claimed low-dose oral platform could give Pfizer faster clinical and commercial footing against Lilly and Novo.
Promising Early Efficacy Signals
- MetSera's MET-097 (GLP-1) showed 11.3% placebo-adjusted weight loss at 12 weeks and MET-233 (amylin) showed 8.4% at five weeks.
- Both assets plus long half-life formulations suggest potential monthly dosing and differentiated commercial profiles.
Oral Peptide Scalability Could Be A Gamechanger
- MetSera claims its oral peptide platform could require dramatically lower doses versus prior oral GLP-1 attempts, improving manufacturing scalability.
- If validated, a high-bioavailability oral peptide could shift commercial dynamics in obesity therapeutics.