STAT+: Detailed data show Pfizer’s monthly obesity drug continues to show potential

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- Pfizer acquired the obesity drug berobenatide from biotech Metsera.
- Pfizer’s VESPER‑3 study gave patients weekly berobenatide for 12 weeks, then higher monthly doses through week 28.
- Patients who stayed on treatment lost up to 12.1 % of body weight.
- American Diabetes Association meeting data showed weight loss kept pace after the weekly‑to‑monthly switch, with no plateau by week 28.
- Eli Lilly’s Zepbound trial showed a larger weight‑loss percentage at a similar 28‑week point, suggesting Pfizer’s monthly regimen may be less effective.
Why it matters: Pfizer could capture market share if monthly dosing proves competitive, but the slower weight‑loss versus Zepbound may limit payer adoption and affect revenue projections for obesity therapeutics.



