Pfizer Inc. wins early U.S. antitrust clearance for $7.3 bn Metsera Inc. deal

Pfizer has received early clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for its proposed acquisition of Metsera, ahead of schedule, removing a major regulatory hurdle. Metsera’s shareholders are due to vote on the deal next month. Meanwhile, rivals say they have superior offers in the obesity-drug market. The clearance allows Pfizer to move ahead without further antitrust review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. The deal positions Pfizer to enter the $150 bn obesity prescription drug market as its COVID-era revenues decline.