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Pfizer Files Second Lawsuit Over Novo Nordisk’s Bid for Metsera

By  |  November 3, 2025

Pfizer has launched a second legal challenge against Novo Nordisk and Metsera, escalating a high-stakes battle over the future of the weight-loss drug market. The pharmaceutical giant alleges that Novo Nordisk’s planned acquisition of Metsera would stifle competition and strengthen its dominance in the obesity drug sector, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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    In a complaint filed Monday in the U.S. District Court in Delaware, Pfizer argued that Novo Nordisk — maker of the blockbuster drug Ozempic — is attempting to “illegally pay off Metsera and its controlling stockholders to gain control of, and impair and potentially kill, an emerging U.S. competitor.” Pfizer claims that such an acquisition would violate federal antitrust laws and undermine fair market competition, per the Wall Street Journal.

    Pfizer had previously reached an agreement in September to acquire Metsera for as much as $7.3 billion, viewing the biotech firm as key to revitalizing its anti-obesity drug pipeline after earlier disappointments. However, Novo Nordisk entered the fray last week with a competing proposal worth up to $9 billion. Metsera described Novo Nordisk’s offer as “superior” and granted Pfizer four business days to match or improve its terms.

    Related: Pfizer Sues Metsera and Novo Nordisk Over $8.5 Billion Takeover Battle

    This latest suit follows Pfizer’s first legal action filed just days earlier, which sought to prevent Metsera from ending its merger agreement after Novo Nordisk’s unsolicited bid. Both Novo Nordisk and Metsera have stated they intend to contest Pfizer’s claims in court.

    As of Monday, representatives for Novo Nordisk and Metsera had not provided comment on the new lawsuit, according to the Wall Street Journal.

    Source: The Wall Street Journal