(Reuters) -Pfizer ( PFE ) said on Friday it has received an early clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for its proposed acquisition of Metsera ( MTSR ), removing a key regulatory hurdle for the deal valued at up to $7.3 billion.

The FTC granted early termination of the waiting period required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, which governs antitrust reviews of large mergers. The waiting period was originally set to expire on November 7.

The clearance means Pfizer ( PFE ) can move ahead with its proposed purchase of Metsera ( MTSR ) without further antitrust review from U.S. regulators.

Shares of Pfizer ( PFE ) closed about 1.5% higher on Friday.