STAT+: Detailed data show Pfizer’s monthly obesity drug continues to show potential

STAT PlusPharma Detailed data show Pfizer’s monthly obesity drug continues to show potential Therapy acquired from Metsera is being closely watched Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Elaine ChenJune 6, 2026 Chen, a national biotech reporter, is the co-author of The Readout, a newsletter about the business, science, and politics of biotech. Elaine Chen[email protected]Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Detailed data from a mid-stage study offered further evidence that the obesity drug Pfizer acquired from the biotech Metsera could be dosed monthly. But it’s not clear how competitive the treatment would be against weekly injectables on the market and in development that may lead to greater weight loss. In the study, called VESPER-3, patients with obesity took weekly doses of the drug, called berobenatide, for 12 weeks and then transitioned to higher monthly doses out to 28 weeks. By then, patients lost up to 12.1% of their weight, when analyzing just those who stayed on treatment, as Pfizer previously reported. Advertisement New data presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association on Saturday show that when patients transitioned from weekly to monthly dosing, the rate of weight loss continued at a similar pace; they had not yet hit a plateau by 28 weeks. That’s a promising sign, but the rate of weight loss at 28 weeks was still less than what was seen at a similar time point in the pivotal trial of Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the pharma industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, drug development, Obesity, Pfizer, Pharmaceuticals, STAT+, weight loss Submit a correction requestReprints Elaine Chen National Biotech Reporter Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended The Readout June 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Will Makary’s FDA voucher program survive? Politics June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Drug companies, patient groups urge FDA to pause commissioner’s voucher program Advertisement Pharma June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Otsuka kidney drug slowed loss of function, but less than expected, in late-stage trial The Readout June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: AI titans push Congress for DNA safeguards Adam's Biotech Scorecard June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Does Revolution Medicines’ pancreatic cancer drug have even greater potential? Subscriber Picks