Pfizer Files Second Lawsuit Seeking to Block Novo Nordisk's Bid for Metsera

By Nicholas G. Miller

Pfizer filed its second lawsuit against Metsera and Novo Nordisk, alleging Novo Nordisk's attempt to outbid Pfizer to acquire Metsera violates antitrust laws.

Pfizer said Monday it has filed a lawsuit against the two companies, alleging Novo Nordisk's acquisition bid for Metsera is an anticompetitive action to protect its dominant market position in GLP-1 obesity drugs.

Pfizer claimed Novo Nordisk is "capturing and killing a nascent American competitor before it gains the support of Pfizer, one of America's leading pharmaceutical companies."

Pfizer agreed in September to pay up to $7.3 billion for Metsera, which would get Pfizer back into the race for the next generation of GLP-1 drugs.

But last week, Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk offered to buy Metsera for up to $9 billion. Metsera deemed Novo Nordisk's bid a superior offer and said Pfizer would have four business days to negotiate a better offer.

On Friday, Pfizer filed its initial lawsuit against the two companies, alleging Novo Nordisk's acquisition offer can't be considered superior because it isn't reasonably likely to be completed on the terms proposed.

A Novo Nordisk spokeswoman on Friday said Pfizer's claims in the initial lawsuit were "meritless," adding, "We will vigorously defend ourselves in any litigation." Metsera said it "disagrees with the allegations in Pfizer's complaint and will address them in the Delaware Court of Chancery."

Write to Nicholas G. Miller at nicholas.miller@wsj.com.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 03, 2025 08:48 ET (13:48 GMT)