JPM26: Pfizer Fast-Tracks Obesity Programs in Race Against Patent Cliff

Pfizer is accelerating Metsera's obesity assets, starting 10 Phase III trials for MET097 (PF-08653944), an ultra-long-acting monthly GLP-1 injectable, with the first trial begun late 2025 ahead of schedule and aiming for a 2028 launch.1 3

CEO Albert Bourla announced this strategy at the 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference to offset the patent cliff from losing exclusivity on key products.1 2

Pfizer acquired Metsera for up to $10 billion after outbidding Novo Nordisk, adding differentiated candidates targeting GLP-1, amylin, and GIPR, alongside oral peptides and small molecules.1 2 3

Bourla predicts the obesity market will reach $150 billion by 2030, driven by cash-pay consumers similar to Viagra, with Pfizer's commercial strength enabling rapid market share growth.2 3 4

Pfizer also partnered with YaoPharma for YP05002, an oral GLP-1, after scrapping its own danuglipron in early 2025.2 5