Pfizer Gets Green Light from Regulators as Novo Nordisk Tries to Block Metsera Deal

Original posted at obesity.news/ on Oct 02, 2025

Pfizer just cleared a huge hurdle in its plan to acquire Metsera. The Federal Trade Commission granted Pfizer early termination of its antitrust review, meaning the deal officially passed its competition test. Pfizer can now move forward immediately.

This approval could completely shift the balance in the battle between Pfizer and Novo Nordisk over Metsera, one of the most promising obesity drug startups in the world.

What Happened

Under the Hart–Scott–Rodino Act, large mergers must be reviewed by regulators to make sure they don’t hurt competition. Usually there is a waiting period before the companies can close the deal. When that period is ended early, it means regulators saw no issue.

The FTC just told Pfizer, “You’re good to go.”

This decision came just one day after Novo Nordisk tried to outbid Pfizer for Metsera, offering $56.50 per share plus $21.25 in milestone payments, compared to Pfizer’s $47.50 per share plus $22.50 in milestones. Metsera’s board called Novo’s offer “superior,” and Pfizer now has until Tuesday to decide if it will match the higher bid.

Now that Pfizer’s deal has cleared regulatory review, it holds a major advantage. Novo’s counteroffer would still have to go through the same process, and that could take weeks.

Why This Matters

Metsera is not just another biotech. Their once monthly GLP-1 candidate, MET 097i, has already shown 11 percent weight loss after twelve weeks, and their long acting amylin, MET 233i, delivered over 8 percent weight loss after five weeks. Together, they could form one of the most powerful next generation combo therapies in the pipeline.

Pfizer’s acquisition of Metsera would put them back in the obesity medicine race after their own drug, danuglipron, failed in trials. Novo’s counteroffer, on the other hand, looks like a strategic move to protect its dominance and keep Pfizer out of the market.

What Happens Next

Pfizer now has a few days to decide whether it will match Novo’s offer or let Metsera walk away. Because Pfizer already has regulatory clearance, matching Novo’s price would immediately move the deal closer to closing.

Novo’s counteroffer may have been bold, but Pfizer’s clean approval gives it the upper hand. The duopoly that has dominated this space is suddenly at risk of breaking.

If Pfizer moves quickly, it could finally become the third heavyweight in obesity medicine, bringing the kind of competition that could pressure prices down and open access for millions of patients.

If Novo wins, the duopoly stays intact and patients remain trapped in a system where two companies decide who gets treated and how much it costs.

The clock is ticking. The FTC has cleared the ring, and now Pfizer has to decide whether to fight.

Stay tuned to OnThePen.com for more updates and in-depth analysis on the latest developments in weight loss and diabetes treatments. Sharing this article is a powerful form of advocacy that brings us closer to our goal of educating the masses and reducing the stigma of obesity. If you found this article insightful, please share it within your networks, especially in Facebook groups and Reddit forums dedicated to GLP-1 medications and diabetes management. Together, we can make a difference.

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