Pfizer Inc (PFE) announced an update on their ongoing clinical study.
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Pfizer Inc. (PFE) is preparing a major late-stage trial called VESPER-5 to test MET097, also known as PF-08653944, in adults with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes. The goal is to see how well the drug helps patients lose weight and manage blood sugar, a high-value space in today’s healthcare market.
The study drug is a long-acting weekly injection given under the skin in the belly area. It is designed to offer strong weight loss and diabetes control with fewer doses, which could improve patient convenience and support long-term use.
The trial is a Phase 3 randomized study that compares several dose levels of MET097 against a placebo injection. Neither patients nor doctors know who gets the active drug, which keeps expectations from influencing the results and helps ensure clean safety and efficacy data.
The study will enroll about 1,000 adults, with roughly two-thirds getting MET097 and one-third receiving placebo. Participants will stay in the trial for around 21 months, with a mix of in-person visits and phone check-ins to track weight, blood sugar, and side effects over time.
The study was first submitted on February 3, 2026, and last updated on February 10, 2026, and is currently listed as not yet recruiting. These dates matter for investors because they mark the start of the Phase 3 clock, with key readouts likely several years away and potential label discussions following positive data.
For PFE, this update underscores a push to compete in the fast-growing obesity and diabetes drug market led by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. While near-term revenue impact is limited, a successful outcome could add a new growth driver, lift long-term sentiment, and support valuation as investors look for pipeline assets beyond existing cardiometabolic products.
The VESPER-5 study of MET097/PF-08653944 is moving toward launch and remains active in the clinical database, with further details available on the ClinicalTrials portal.
To learn more about PFE’s potential, visit the Pfizer Inc drug pipeline page.