Matej Mikulic
Research expert covering health, pharma & medtech
Pfizer - Statistics & Facts
As one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer is navigating a period of transformation marked by aggressive moves into lucrative new markets and mounting pressures from expiring patents. The New York-based drugmaker recorded revenue of approximately 63 billion U.S. dollars in 2025 , positioning itself among the industry's top players even as it confronts significant strategic challenges in the years ahead.
Breaking into the obesity market
Pfizer has made a decisive entrance into the rapidly growing weight-loss drug sector. In March 2026, the company secured regulatory approval in China for Xianweiying (ecnoglutide), a licensed GLP-1 agonist for long-term weight management. The company also closed its acquisition of Metsera, a deal valued at up to 10 billion U.S. dollars that secured a pipeline of next-generation weight-loss candidates. The lead compound, MET-097i, is being developed as a once-monthly injection—offering a potential convenience advantage over weekly competitors. Phase 2b results from February 2026 showed promising weight loss outcomes, with Pfizer targeting a major product launch by 2028.
Navigating the patent cliff
These investments come at a critical time as the company faces what industry analysts call a "patent cliff." The company projected 2026 revenue between 59.5 billion and 62.5 billion U.S. dollars, reflecting anticipated losses from both patent expirations and declining COVID-19 product sales. Major revenue generators including the blood thinner Eliquis and the arthritis treatment Xeljanz face loss of exclusivity protection in 2026 and 2027, creating significant revenue pressure.Â
Research and therapeutic advances
Despite these headwinds, Pfizer continues to advance its clinical pipeline across multiple therapeutic areas. The company invested approximately 10.4 billion U.S. dollars in research and development in 2025. In early 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full approval to a Braftovi (encorafenib) combination regimen for first-line treatment of certain types of metastatic colorectal cancer. Additionally, Pfizer received priority review designation for Hympavzi (marstacimab), a potential once-weekly treatment for hemophilia A and B.
Industry position and outlook
Pfizer remains firmly positioned among the top pharmaceutical companies globally by prescription drug sales, maintaining its status as one of the industry's major players. With a workforce of approximately 75,000 employees worldwide, Pfizer is executing a transformation strategy that balances near-term revenue pressures with long-term growth investments in high-potential therapeutic areas like obesity and oncology. The success of this strategic pivot will likely define the company's trajectory through the end of the decade.
