Obesity Today—November 18, 2025

Weekly Obesity update featuring major pipeline moves, regulatory and access developments, strategic shifts across competitive markets, and emerging advocacy and policy discussions shaping the therapeutic landscape.

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💼 Pfizer closes Metsera deal, adds GLP-1 and amylin assets [1] [13 Nov 2025]

https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-completes-acquisition-metsera
Context: Portfolio includes MET-097i (weekly/monthly injectable GLP-1 RA near Phase 3), MET-233i (monthly amylin, Phase 1 mono/combination), an oral GLP-1 (Phase 1), and preclinical nutrient-stimulated hormone agents.
Key point: Pfizer completed the acquisition of Metsera for $65.60 per share cash (about $7.0B EV) plus a CVR up to $20.65 per share tied to milestones.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🧭 Novo CEO’s risk tilt in Metsera pursuit, then retreat [2] [13 Nov 2025]

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-ceo-signals-new-appetite-risk-obesity-deals-2025-11-12/
Context: Analysts cite urgency amid Lilly competition and looming semaglutide IP timelines; governance concerns also noted by some commentators.
Key point: Reuters reports Novo Nordisk’s CEO advanced a higher-risk, ~$10B structured bid for Metsera, later withdrawn after FTC antitrust warning; Pfizer then finalized its offer.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🛑 Zealand pauses dapiglutide in crowded GLP-1 field [3] [13 Nov 2025]

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/zealand-pharma-scraps-obesity-drug-candidate-citing-crowded-market-bloomberg-2025-11-13/
Context: Focus pivots to programs with clearer differentiation; with Roche, Zealand advances petrelintide (amylin) with mid-stage data expected 1H next year.
Key point: Zealand Pharma paused early-stage GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist dapiglutide, citing crowded space and complex anti-inflammatory proof needs, per Reuters.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🧬 Palatin advances melanocortin obesity pipeline toward clinic [4] [13 Nov 2025]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palatin-reports-first-quarter-fiscal-year-2026-financial-results-and-provides-corporate-update-302614162.html
Context: Next-gen weekly peptide MC4R agonists plan mid-2026 IND/Phase 1; early data support co-administration with tirzepatide (pre-clinical/early clinical).
Key point: Palatin says oral MC4R agonist PL7737 shows preclinical weight-loss and safety signals, targeting IND and Phase 1 SAD/MAD in 1H 2026; rare-obesity ODD noted.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🏛️ Medicare access narrative for Wegovy and Zepbound, plus cash-pay cuts [5] [US • 14 Nov 2025]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-11-13/how-medicare-deal-for-wegovy-zepbound-affects-other-insurers-self-pay
Context: Prior Medicare coverage tied to comorbid indications; newsletter details BMI-based criteria and timing, with implications for Medicaid and employer plans not specified by regulators here.
Key point: Bloomberg newsletter describes a federal agreement expanding Medicare eligibility for Wegovy and Zepbound and lowering cash-pay prices via manufacturers’ channels.
Implication: Access programs may expand screening, initiation, and follow-up at scale.

🧾 Lilly, Novo deny Mangoceuticals “partnership”; Mango clarifies offering [6] [US • 14 Nov 2025]

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/mangoceuticals-partners-with-lilly-novo-nordisk-sell-weight-loss-drugs-2025-11-13/
Context: Story references prior Lilly lawsuit against Mango over tirzepatide products and an injunction as part of settlement.
Key point: Reuters reports Lilly and Novo denied a partnership after Mangoceuticals’ claim; Mango later said it has no direct contracts but will offer GLP-1s via its platforms.
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote prescribing and logistics.

🇨🇳 Chinese physicians urge insurance coverage for GLP-1s [7] [CN • 14 Nov 2025]

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/chinese-doctors-call-insurance-coverage-weight-loss-drugs-2025-11-14/
Context: Obesity guidelines exist, but national reimbursement plans reportedly exclude GLP-1s; doctors suggest criteria based on BMI and comorbidities.
Key point: Reuters reports Chinese doctors publicly advocate national insurance coverage for weight-loss drugs, citing high costs and rising obesity.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.

Why it matters

Big Pharma consolidation accelerates multi-modal obesity pipelines (GLP-1, amylin, melanocortin).
Competitive intensity is reshaping BD tactics and antitrust risk calculus.
Differentiation pressure is pruning GLP-1 “me-too” assets and elevating novel mechanisms.
Coverage and cash-pay shifts could expand treated populations and squeeze intermediaries.
Emerging markets weigh affordability vs system burden as prevalence climbs.

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FAQ

What assets did Pfizer acquire with Metsera?

MET-097i (injectable GLP-1 RA, near Phase 3), MET-233i (monthly amylin, Phase 1 mono/combination), an oral GLP-1 (Phase 1), plus preclinical nutrient-stimulated hormone programs [1].

How far did Novo go in the Metsera bidding?

Per Reuters, Novo advanced a higher-risk, ~$10B structured offer and believed FTC clearance was achievable, but withdrew after an FTC warning; Pfizer’s sweetened bid closed the deal [2].

Why did Zealand pause dapiglutide?

Reuters cites a crowded GLP-1 market and the need for long, complex trials to show anti-inflammatory effects; Zealand is prioritizing programs with clearer differentiation, including petrelintide with Roche [3].

When will Palatin’s PL7737 reach the clinic?

Palatin plans an IND and Phase 1 SAD/MAD in 1H 2026, with ODD secured for LEPR deficiency–related obesity; timelines for peptide MC4R agonists are mid-2026 (endpoint specifics not stated) [4].

Is there an official Medicare policy change on GLP-1s for weight loss?

Bloomberg’s newsletter describes a federal deal expanding access and lowering cash-pay prices. Details, timing, and criteria are as reported by the newsletter, not a primary regulatory notice here [5].

Did Mangoceuticals secure partnerships with Lilly or Novo?

Reuters reports both companies denied such partnerships. Mango clarified it has no direct contracts but will offer the branded GLP-1s via its platforms; prior litigation ended with an injunction as part of settlement [6].

Entities / Keywords

Pfizer; Metsera; MET-097i; MET-233i; GLP-1; amylin; oral GLP-1; Novo Nordisk; Eli Lilly; tirzepatide; semaglutide; Zealand Pharma; dapiglutide; petrelintide; Roche; Palatin; PL7737; MC4R; Medicare; Wegovy; Zepbound; Mangoceuticals; China; GLP-1 reimbursement.