Pfizer has secured early antitrust clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for its proposed $7.3 billion acquisition of Metsera, clearing a key regulatory hurdle as the pharmaceutical giant faces a competing $8.5 billion bid from Novo Nordisk for the same target.
The FTC granted early termination of the waiting period required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act on October 31, more than a week before the original November 7 expiration date. This regulatory approval means Pfizer can proceed with its proposed purchase without further antitrust review from U.S. regulators, though the deal still requires shareholder approval at a November 13 vote.
Competing Bids Create Strategic Tension
The regulatory clearance comes at a critical juncture, as Metsera has declared Novo Nordisk's offer superior and given Pfizer until Tuesday to raise its bid. The Danish drugmaker, known for its blockbuster obesity treatments Wegovy and Ozempic, has offered up to $8.5 billion for Metsera, including $6 billion upfront.
Pfizer has responded aggressively to the competing bid, characterizing Novo Nordisk as "a company with a dominant market position trying to suppress competition in violation of law by taking over an emerging American challenger in the fast-growing obesity drug market." The company called Novo's bid "reckless" and alleged it was structured to bypass regulatory scrutiny.
Strategic Entry into Obesity Market
The Metsera acquisition represents a cornerstone of Pfizer's strategy to enter the rapidly expanding $150 billion obesity drug market. This move comes as the pharmaceutical giant seeks to offset falling COVID-19-related revenues and prepare for looming patent expirations on key products.
Pfizer's interest in Metsera reflects the company's challenges in developing its own weight-loss treatments, as it currently does not sell any obesity medications. The acquisition would provide immediate access to Metsera's pipeline and expertise in this high-growth therapeutic area.
Market Dynamics and Competition
The bidding war highlights the intense competition in the obesity drug sector, where established players like Novo Nordisk are seeking to maintain their market dominance while companies like Pfizer attempt to gain entry. Novo Nordisk's position as the maker of leading obesity treatments Wegovy and Ozempic gives it significant leverage in the market.
The early antitrust clearance provides Pfizer with regulatory certainty as it considers its next move in response to Novo's higher offer. However, the company must now decide whether to increase its bid or risk losing access to Metsera's assets and the opportunity to establish a foothold in the obesity treatment market.
