As of press time, the stock rose more than 15%, trading at $70.42.
According to Zhitong Finance APP, on Tuesday, the share price of Metsera (MTSR.US) rose. As of press time, the stock surged over 15%, trading at $70.42. On the news front, competitive acquisition bids from Pfizer (PFE.US) and Novo-Nordisk A/S (NVO.US) further intensified.
Metsera issued a statement on the same day stating that the latest acquisition proposal submitted by Novo-Nordisk A/S was still deemed by the company's board as the “more favorable” offer, and Pfizer was formally notified to submit an improved bid within two business days or risk losing its eligibility to compete.
Under the latest offer, Novo-Nordisk A/S increased its acquisition price to a total value of $86.20 per share, with the deal size estimated at approximately $10 billion. This includes a cash offer of $62.20 per share (previously $56.50), as well as contingent value rights of up to $24 per share (previously $21.25). If the relevant drug pipelines achieve preset commercialization or regulatory milestones, shareholders could receive additional cash payouts.
In comparison, Pfizer’s recently updated offer is capped at only about $70 per share, with a total value of approximately $8.1 billion, significantly lower than Novo-Nordisk A/S’s proposal, thereby being classified as the “inferior offer.”
This bidding war focuses on Metsera’s core assets—its late-stage pipeline candidates for weight loss and metabolic diseases—considered potential “next-generation blockbuster” products following Wegovy and Zepbound. As the global obesity treatment market rapidly expands, innovative pharmaceutical companies are accelerating their strategic positioning. According to Morgan Stanley estimates, the global weight-loss drug market could exceed $100 billion by 2030.
Industry insiders pointed out that the competition between Pfizer and Novo-Nordisk A/S is not only about acquisition premiums but also reflects the pressure faced by large pharmaceutical companies due to patent expirations and the need to replenish their product pipelines. Should Pfizer fail to present a higher bid within the deadline, it may withdraw from the competition prematurely.
The market will continue to monitor whether Pfizer intensifies its bid in the next 48 hours and the ultimate direction of Metsera’s board decision on the transaction.
