Key Points

Pfizer features an appealing weight loss pipeline.
Yet capturing the lead from rivals in this rapidly expanding sector will prove challenging.
Additional solid factors support investing in the shares.
10 stocks we favor over Pfizer ›

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) has struggled in recent periods as demand for its coronavirus offerings declined sharply. At the same time several newer product launches have delivered limited financial impact while the firm approaches a major patent expiration for Eliquis an anticoagulant and top revenue generator by decade end. Still leadership holds a strategy for recovery. Pfizer maintains a robust pipeline that may refresh its portfolio. One focus area involves dominating the weight management drug space which expands quickly and may surpass $100 billion in revenue within the next decade. Could Pfizer claim leadership here?

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Pfizer weight management candidates

Pfizer halted some internally developed anti-obesity programs over safety issues. It strengthened its pipeline via acquisition. In November the pharmaceutical firm acquired Metsera a biotech holding several promising weight loss assets for $7 billion in cash excluding possible milestone payments. Pfizer gained Metsera's lead candidate MET-097i a GLP-1 therapy that shows strong potential.

In two phase 2b trials the investigational therapy delivered robust weight reduction results with patients achieving mean placebo adjusted loss of as much as 14.1 percent after 28 weeks plus strong tolerability. MET-097i also supports potential monthly dosing which could provide an edge versus current leading options given weekly. MET-097i now advances in phase 3 trials. Pfizer holds additional candidates from Metsera. The company continues select internal efforts including an oral candidate PF-07976016 now in phase 2. Oral options have drawn fresh patients into the market making this another attractive prospect.

Overall Pfizer's collection includes several differentiated assets. The firm holds one of the stronger pipelines in this space.

Claiming the lead will not come easily

Pfizer must compete against major pharmaceutical firms including current frontrunners Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO). Both maintain highly effective current products plus extensive pipelines. Consider Eli Lilly whose next generation anti-obesity therapy retatrutide produced strong phase 3 outcomes matching weight loss levels often seen with bariatric procedures. Retatrutide holds an edge as a triple agonist activating three separate hormone receptors at once.

No such therapy holds U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval yet. Retatrutide could become the first. Novo Nordisk follows closely with multiple triple agonists in development including one that recently showed encouraging mid stage data. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk benefit from long standing leadership in the related diabetes field. Beyond these two others advance as well.

For example Amgen's (NASDAQ: AMGN) MariTide advances in phase 3 as a potential obesity treatment and more. MariTide offers long acting potential for monthly or less frequent administration.

Implications for Pfizer

It remains early to identify the ultimate leader in weight loss yet if betting my choice would favor Eli Lilly over Pfizer. Still Pfizer need not lead this area to revive its operations. Multiple winners can succeed here and the company stands well placed given its pipeline depth.

Pfizer also holds promising assets in other areas including oncology that should advance meaningfully in coming years. Several products continue solid sales growth. Finally Pfizer serves as an excellent dividend holding with a forward yield of 6.9 percent and a record of raising payouts amid recent pressures. This positions it as a strong choice for investors seeking dependable blue chip dividend names.

Should you purchase Pfizer shares now?

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Prosper Junior Bakiny holds positions in Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool holds positions in and recommends Amgen Eli Lilly Novo Nordisk and Pfizer. The Motley Fool maintains a disclosure policy.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq Inc.