- Safwan AMM
- 25 September, 2025
Pfizer’s Big Bet on Obesity Drugs: What Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs Can Learn
Pfizer, one of the world’s biggest drugmakers, just made a bold move. They agreed to buy Metsera for $47.50 per share in cash, with the chance of paying an extra $22.50 per share if certain milestones are met. That means the deal could reach a whopping $7.3 billion.
Why is Pfizer doing this? Let’s break it down like a business case study.
📉 The Problem Pfizer Faces
Pfizer became a household name during the pandemic with its Covid vaccines and pills. But now:
- Demand for Covid products is falling.
- Some of their blockbuster drugs are close to losing patents.
- Sales are under pressure, and their share price has dropped nearly 60% from peak levels.
This is like a Sri Lankan exporter who thrived during a boom season (say, tea or spices during a global shortage), but now faces falling demand. The smart move? Diversify into the next big growth market.
💡 The Opportunity: The $100 Billion Obesity Market
Globally, obesity drugs are predicted to hit $100 billion by 2030.
Right now, Novo Nordisk (maker of Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (maker of Zepbound) dominate this space. Their drugs are highly effective but often come with side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Metsera, the company Pfizer is buying, is developing a new type of long-acting amylin analogue — potentially a gentler, less frequent injection than current market leaders. Early studies show promising results, with patients losing up to 8.4% of their weight in just 36 days.
It’s still early, but if successful, this drug could reshape the market.
🚀 The Strategic Move
Pfizer had already tried to develop its own obesity pill, but it had to be stopped due to safety concerns. Instead of giving up, they’ve pivoted to acquisition.
Think of it like a Sri Lankan apparel brand that tried to design its own sportswear line but failed. Instead of closing shop, they buy a smaller, innovative startup already making waves in athleisure. That’s exactly what Pfizer is doing.
🔑 Case Study Insights for Entrepreneurs
- Don’t fear setbacks – Pfizer’s obesity pill failed, but they turned the setback into a chance for acquisition.
- Spot the mega trend early – Obesity treatments are set to be the world’s next big therapeutic category. Like e-commerce in Sri Lanka post-Covid, getting in early matters.
- Pay for innovation – Instead of reinventing the wheel, sometimes buying the innovator is smarter.
- Think long-term – Even though Metsera’s drugs are years away from market, Pfizer is investing today for tomorrow’s growth.
🌏 Why This Matters to Sri Lanka
Obesity is not just a Western issue — it’s rising in Asia too, including Sri Lanka. Global players like Pfizer setting the tone means local healthcare, insurance, and even wellness industries will feel the ripple effects.
For entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: find where the next big wave is forming and position yourself early.
👉 Just like Pfizer is betting billions on obesity drugs, Sri Lankan businesses can bet on upcoming growth markets — from sustainable packaging to health tech and wellness.
In business, the winners are not always the fastest. They are the ones who see the future and act boldly before others do.
