Pfizer's $10 Billion Bet: The Future of Obesity Drugs

Pfizer's latest trial data on a new obesity drug raises questions about its tolerability, leading to a slight drop in the company's shares. Despite the challenges, Pfizer remains optimistic about the drug's potential. The company aims for a 2028 launch, setting the stage for a significant market entry.

Pfizer has unveiled trial data for its cutting-edge obesity medication acquired from its $10 billion purchase of Metsera, sparking debates on the drug's tolerability. Following the disclosure, Pfizer's shares experienced a roughly 3% dip. While the drug demonstrated consistent weight loss over 28 weeks, concerns about side effects remain.

During a quarter marked by impressive earnings, Pfizer emphasized its strategic focus on obesity treatments, an arena with an estimated $150 billion market potential. The company's mid-stage trial results revealed that the drug, PF-3944, achieved up to a 12.3% weight reduction in non-diabetic patients without plateau by the 28-week mark, with ongoing studies expected to extend to 64 weeks.

Chris Boshoff, Pfizer's Chief Scientific Officer, expressed confidence in the drug's efficacy, aligning it with current top treatments. Despite side effect-related dropouts, Pfizer's strategic moves in the weight-loss sector, including its acquisition of Metsera, are anticipated to steer the company's recovery trajectory amidst upcoming competition and revenue challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)