# Pfizer and Novo Nordisk’s $10bn battle over weight-loss drugs

An episode of [The Story of Money](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1376303362), 12 Nov 2025, 26 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/behindthemoney/e/69136f4a543edcb560b17908/media.mp3

Pharma juggernauts Pfizer and Novo Nordisk are struggling in the obesity drug race.The two companies are searching for their next moneymaker, and that search recently spun out into a ferocious, multibillion-dollar battle for control of biotech start-up Metsera. The FT’s US deals and activism correspondent Oliver Barnes walks through the tussle that’s involved lawsuits, public barbs and political drama. Clips from CNBC, Pfizer, Yahoo Finance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading and listening: Weight-loss wars: $10bn hostile battle pits Pfizer against Novo Nordisk Pfizer shows hardball mettle needed to win in 2025 M&A There is only one winner in the Pfizer Novo Nordisk showdown Ozempic’s unconventional origins - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Attend the FT Global Banking Summit, 2-4 December in London: Enter SAVE20 for a 20% discount, register here. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Follow Oliver Barnes on X (@mroliverbarnes), or on Bluesky (@mroliverbarnes.bsky.social) Michela Tindera is on X (@mtindera07) and Bluesky (@mtindera.ft.com), or follow her on LinkedIn for updates about the show and more. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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