Pfizer’s setback opens doors for biotechs in the obesity-pill market

  • Pfizer’s disappointing data on its obesity pill opens up opportunities for biotechs
  • Biotechs are developing their own oral weight-loss drugs to claim a chunk of the $90 billion per year market
  • Pfizer stops development of its twice-daily weight loss pill due to unacceptable side effects
  • Lilly and Novo continue to work on their own oral weight-loss drugs
  • Pfizer’s setback improves the prospects of biotechs in the obesity-pill market
  • Pfizer may seek to acquire one of the biotechs to solve its weight-loss pill problems
  • Shares of Viking Therapeutics, Terns Pharmaceuticals, Structure Therapeutics, and Altimmune rise on the news
  • Analysts speculate on which biotech Pfizer might want to acquire
  • Biotechs with anti-obesity pills continue to be a hot target for acquirers

Pfizer’s disappointing data on its obesity pill have created opportunities for biotechs developing their own oral weight-loss drugs. The market for highly effective obesity pills is estimated to be worth $90 billion per year, and Pfizer’s setback has improved the prospects of biotechs in this market. Pfizer has stopped development of its twice-daily weight loss pill due to unacceptable side effects, while Lilly and Novo continue to work on their own oral weight-loss drugs. This setback for Pfizer may lead them to consider acquiring one of the biotechs to solve their weight-loss pill problems. As a result of this news, shares of Viking Therapeutics, Terns Pharmaceuticals, Structure Therapeutics, and Altimmune have all seen significant increases. Analysts are speculating on which biotech Pfizer might want to acquire, as biotechs with anti-obesity pills continue to be a hot target for acquirers.

Public Companies: Pfizer (PFE), Eli Lilly (LLY), Novo Nordisk (NVO), Viking Therapeutics (VKTX), Terns Pharmaceuticals (TERN), Structure Therapeutics (Unknown), Altimmune (ALT), Roche Holding (ROG), AstraZeneca (AZN), Carmot Therapeutics (Unknown), Eccogene (Unknown)
Private Companies: undefined, undefined
Key People: Chris Shibutani (Goldman Sachs analyst), Jay Olson (Oppenheimer analyst)


Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information about Pfizer’s disappointing data on its obesity pill and the potential impact on the market for weight-loss drugs. It mentions the development of oral weight-loss drugs by biotechs and the competition among Pfizer, Lilly, and Novo. The article also discusses the possibility of Pfizer acquiring one of the biotechs. The information provided seems to be based on factual events and statements from analysts.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides relevant information about the obesity pill market and the disappointment of Pfizer’s drug. It also mentions the potential opportunities for biotechs and the possibility of Pfizer acquiring one of them. However, the article lacks scientific rigor and intellectual honesty as it does not provide any evidence or data to support its claims. It also does not provide actionable insights or solutions for the reader.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The market for obesity pills and biotech companies developing weight-loss drugs

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article discusses the market for obesity pills and the impact of Pfizer’s disappointing data on its obesity pill. It also mentions the competition among biotech companies in developing their own weight-loss drugs. However, there is no mention of any extreme event or its impact.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com