Pfizer's Aggressive Stance In Obesity Drugs: CEO Albert Bourla Confirms Bold Bet Despite Prior Drug Hurdles
Portfolio Pulse from Vandana Singh
Pfizer Inc's CEO Albert Bourla confirmed at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference the company's commitment to the obesity drug market despite a previous candidate's failure due to side effects. Competitors Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are already established in this market with their GLP-1 agonist drugs. The obesity drug sector is projected to reach $100 billion by the end of the decade. Pfizer is looking for licensing deals or early-stage medications rather than acquiring a late-stage treatment. Pfizer's danuglipron showed significant weight loss but had high dropout rates due to side effects. Pfizer also revised its 2024 sales forecast down by up to $5 billion, and its RSV vaccine Abrysvo is underperforming compared to GSK's rival vaccine. Pfizer's stock was up 0.61% in premarket trading.
January 09, 2024 | 12:42 pm
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NEGATIVE IMPACT
Eli Lilly is a major player in the obesity drug market with its GLP-1 agonist drugs, which could face increased competition from Pfizer's renewed focus in this sector.
Pfizer's aggressive stance in the obesity drug market could signal increased competition for Eli Lilly, potentially affecting its market share and revenues from its GLP-1 agonist drugs. This could lead to a negative short-term impact on Eli Lilly's stock.
CONFIDENCE 70
IMPORTANCE 50
RELEVANCE 60
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Novo Nordisk, with its obesity drug Wegovy, could also experience heightened competition due to Pfizer's interest in the obesity treatment space.
As Pfizer seeks to expand its presence in the obesity drug market, Novo Nordisk's established products like Wegovy may encounter increased competition, which could negatively impact Novo Nordisk's stock in the short term.
CONFIDENCE 70
IMPORTANCE 50
RELEVANCE 60
NEUTRAL IMPACT
Pfizer is committed to the obesity drug market, seeking licensing deals or early-stage medications. Its danuglipron trial faced high dropout rates, and the company lowered its 2024 sales forecast. Pfizer's RSV vaccine is also underperforming.
Pfizer's commitment to the obesity drug market and active search for new opportunities may be seen positively by investors. However, the high dropout rates in the danuglipron trial and the lowered sales forecast could temper investor enthusiasm. The premarket stock increase suggests a neutral to slightly positive short-term impact.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 75
RELEVANCE 100
POSITIVE IMPACT
GSK's RSV vaccine is outperforming Pfizer's Abrysvo, capturing about 35% of the U.S. market share, which could be advantageous for GSK in the short term.
GSK's RSV vaccine outperforming Pfizer's product could lead to a positive short-term impact on GSK's stock as it suggests a competitive advantage in the vaccine market.
CONFIDENCE 70
IMPORTANCE 40
RELEVANCE 50