Pfizer has a large and diverse drug development pipeline that covers six main therapeutic areas: Oncology, Vaccines, Internal Medicine, Inflammation & Immunology, Rare Disease, and Hospital. The company is working on developing new therapies, including advanced antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, mRNA technologies, and gene therapies. Recent actions, like buying Metsera for its heart and metabolic drugs and continuing clinical trials after buying Seagen, show the company's strong focus on new ideas.
Oncology Pipeline: Expanding Targeted Cancer Treatments
Pfizer is heavily focused on its oncology pipeline, with many potential drugs using advanced methods to target different types of cancer more precisely. The approach includes both internal research and buying other companies to build a strong collection of cancer treatments.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
ADCs are a key part of Pfizer's cancer plan, acting like guided missiles to deliver powerful anti-cancer agents directly to cancer cells. Notable investigational ADCs include sigvotatug vedotin for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (Phase 3) and disitamab vedotin for various cancers (Phase 2/3). PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin), already approved, is also being studied for new uses.
Small Molecules and Novel Biologics
The oncology pipeline also features promising small molecule and biologic candidates. These include atirmociclib (CDK4 Inhibitor) for breast cancer (Phase 3), PF-07248144 (KAT6 Inhibitor) for breast cancer (Phase 1), mevrometostat (EZH2 Inhibitor) for prostate cancer (Phase 3 planned), and sasanlimab (Anti-PD-1 mAb) for bladder cancer (met Phase 3 endpoint).
The Evolving Landscape of Vaccines
Pfizer remains a leader in vaccines, addressing major global health issues like COVID-19, RSV, and other infectious diseases.
Key Vaccine Programs
Vaccine developments include the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine formula, expanded approval for ABRYSVO® (RSV Vaccine) to include at-risk adults aged 18-59, a late-stage mRNA flu/COVID combination vaccine, a second-generation C. difficile vaccine candidate (Phase 2), and research on vaccines for Lyme disease and Group B Streptococcus.
Innovations in Immunology and Inflammation
Using its knowledge in immune system pathways and biologics, Pfizer is creating treatments for autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Immunological Candidates in Development
Investigational candidates include LITFULO™ (ritlecitinib) and VELSIPITY™ (etrasimod) in Phase 2 for inflammatory bowel diseases. Several monoclonal antibodies for atopic dermatitis are also in earlier stages, including PF-07275315 and PF-07264660 in Phase 2.
Advancing Therapies for Rare Diseases
Pfizer is dedicated to developing treatments for rare diseases, with a focus on gene therapy and other new methods.
Rare Disease Candidates
The rare disease pipeline has included gene therapies for hemophilia A and B, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with various outcomes and strategic changes. Osivelotor, for sickle cell disease, is in Phase 3 but enrollment was paused. Ponsegromab for cancer cachexia showed positive Phase 2 data.
Expanding Internal Medicine and Cardiometabolic Efforts
Pfizer has recently increased its focus on heart and metabolic diseases and obesity, notably through the acquisition of Metsera in 2025, which added several new weight-loss and cardiovascular therapies to the pipeline.
Pipeline Candidates Comparison Table
| Candidate Name (or Code) | Therapeutic Area | Indication | Development Phase | Status/Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigvotatug Vedotin | Oncology | Advanced NSCLC | Phase 3 | Positive early data presented |
| Atirmociclib | Oncology | HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer | Phase 3 | Potential best-in-class CDK4 inhibitor |
| Mevrometostat | Oncology | Prostate Cancer | Phase 3 | Initiation anticipated in late 2024 |
| Sasanlimab | Oncology | Bladder Cancer | Phase 3 | Met primary endpoint in a 2024 trial |
| mRNA Flu/COVID Combo | Vaccines | COVID-19/Flu | Late Stage | Combination vaccine in development |
| C. difficile Vaccine | Vaccines | C. difficile Infection | Phase 2 | Second-generation candidate in development |
| Osivelotor | Rare Disease | Sickle Cell Disease | Phase 3 | Enrollment paused due to clinical hold |
| Ponsegromab | Rare Disease | Cancer Cachexia | Phase 2 | Promising data reported in 2024 |
| MET-097i / MET-233i | Internal Medicine | Obesity / CVD | Clinical Stage | Acquired with Metsera in 2025 |
| Ibuzatrelvir | Hospital | COVID-19 Antiviral | Phase 3 | New oral antiviral candidate |
Recent Setbacks and Strategic Shifts
Pfizer's pipeline has faced some challenges and strategic changes. The weight-loss pill danuglipron was discontinued in April 2025, and the sickle cell disease therapy inclacumab failed a Phase 3 study in August 2025. These outcomes are typical in drug development and inform future decisions, such as externalizing some early research to focus on more promising candidates.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead at Pfizer's Portfolio
Pfizer's pipeline shows a proactive approach to drug development, concentrating on significant areas like cancer, vaccines, and rare diseases while adapting to clinical trial results. The pipeline, featuring technologies such as ADCs and mRNA, is expected to produce potentially groundbreaking therapies. While setbacks are unavoidable, Pfizer's ongoing investment in research and development and strategic purchases, like the Metsera acquisition, position the company for continued long-term growth by addressing important unmet medical needs. The future success of this collection of drugs relies on successfully navigating continued clinical trials and regulatory reviews. For detailed information on specific programs, the official Pfizer product pipeline documents provide the latest updates.
Important Note on Forward-Looking Statements
The information contained herein is as of October 2025, and is subject to change. The actual outcome of clinical trials and regulatory submissions for investigational therapies may differ materially. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a recommendation regarding any particular treatment.
