Pfizer Inc. has escalated its legal battle in the high-stakes race for obesity drug innovation, accusing Novo Nordisk A/S of attempting to block a U.S. competitor from acquiring Metsera, Inc.
The pharmaceutical giant filed a second lawsuit targeting both Novo and Metsera, claiming an anticompetitive strategy designed to stall Pfizer’s takeover.
The dispute centers on Pfizer’s September agreement to acquire Metsera for up to $7.3 billion, a move intended to strengthen its foothold in the rapidly expanding obesity treatment market.
Novo Nordisk shocked the market with a rival offer exceeding $8 billion, prompting Pfizer to allege that the Danish company’s bid is less about acquisition and more about suppressing competition.
“Novo’s actions appear intended to undermine fair competition in the obesity therapy sector,” Pfizer said in its court filing, arguing that the structure of the offer is designed to delay antitrust review and lock up Metsera’s drug pipeline.
Metsera responded by rejecting Pfizer’s claims, describing the lawsuit as a tactic to negotiate a lower acquisition price. Novo Nordisk maintained that its offer “does not raise antitrust concerns” and represents legitimate competition in a market with multiple active players.
Analysts say the stakes are enormous. The global obesity drug market, particularly GLP‑1 treatments, is projected to reach roughly $150 billion annually, making control of Metsera a strategic prize for any pharmaceutical leader.
Key developments to watch include whether a U.S. court will issue a temporary restraining order to prevent Metsera from siding with Novo, and how regulators might view Pfizer’s antitrust allegations.
The outcome could significantly reshape the competitive landscape in obesity drug development and acquisitions.
As Pfizer and Novo Nordisk continue their legal and corporate maneuvering, the Metsera showdown highlights the intense rivalry and high financial stakes driving innovation in the obesity treatment sector.
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