By Mrinalika Roy and Sneha S K Feb 3(Reuters) – Pfizer on Tuesday said an experimental obesity drug acquired through its $10 billion Metsera purchase showed sustained weight loss at 28 weeks as a monthly injection, and the U.S. drugmaker reported higher-than-expected fourth-quarter results. The company said it is targeting 2028 for its first approval in the fast-growing weight-loss drug market, which should help offset the impact of looming patent expirations. The latest data sets the stage for a year in which Pfizer said it plans to advance more than 20 clinical trials involving obesity treatments. "The foundation of our strategy in obesity and adjacent conditions is targeting breakthrough medicines in what could be a $150 billion market," CEO Albert Bourla said. In a mid-stage trial, the treatment, known as PF-3944, led to up to 12.3% weight loss in patients without diabetes, with no plateau observed at week 28, the company said, adding that it expects the trend to continue through the 64-week study. Chief Scientific Officer Chris Boshoff said the company is confident the drug "has the potential to deliver efficacy that is competitive with the standard of care." Pfizer last year won a bidding war with Novo Nordisk for obesity drug developer Metsera, securing a foothold in the booming weight-loss drug market. The company, which has warned of challenges over the next few years and does not expect to return to revenue growth until 2029, is banking on developing new blockbuster medicines, including obesity drugs acquired through recent deals, to help drive that recovery. David Wagner, portfolio manager at Aptus Capital Advisors, was taking a cautious approach to Pfizer. "The big question is, will we see sizeable returns from their M&A spend, and will they make all the right development choices over this and next year to support the longer-term return to growth?" UPBEAT QUARTERLY RESULTS For the fourth quarter, the company saw sales rise to $17.56 billion, helped by sustained demand for the blood thinner Eliquis that Pfizer shares with Bristol Myers and growth of its newer RSV vaccine Abrysvo. Analysts were expecting $16.95 billion in sales, according to LSEG data. Abrysvo fourth-quarter sales of $481 million more than doubled Wall Street estimates of $170 million. Still, BMO analyst Evan Seigerman said he expects most investor interest to be captured by the obesity data. On an adjusted basis, the company reported a profit of 66 cents per share, topping analysts' estimates by 9 cents. Pfizer reaffirmed its 2026 forecast for revenue of $59.5 to $62.5 billion and adjusted earnings of $2.80 to $3.00 per share and said it reflects the expected hit from drug pricing deals with the Trump administration. (Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Bill Berkrot)
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