Merck & Co. has announced its intention to acquire Verona Pharma Plc for approximately $10 billion, a move that will enhance its respiratory treatment portfolio. The acquisition centers on Ohtuvayre, Verona’s recently approved inhaled therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ([merck.com](https://www.merck.com/news/merck-to-acquire-verona-pharma-expanding-its-portfolio-to-include-ohtuvayre-ensifentrine-a-first-in-class-copd-maintenance-treatment-for-adults-and-expected-to-drive-growth-into-the-next-dec/?utm_source=openai))
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is advising Merck on this transaction, while Latham & Watkins LLP is representing Verona Pharma.
Ohtuvayre, approved by the FDA in June 2024, is the first novel inhaled maintenance treatment for COPD in over two decades. It functions as a dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 enzymes, offering both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects. Since its U.S. launch, the drug has filled over 25,000 prescriptions, with analysts projecting peak annual sales nearing $4 billion by the mid-2030s. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/bf1c2253-15b3-426a-975d-15ddca1d84a5?utm_source=openai))
This acquisition aligns with Merck’s strategy to diversify its portfolio ahead of the anticipated 2028 patent expiration of its leading cancer drug, Keytruda, which generated nearly $30 billion in revenue in 2024. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, pending regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. ([merck.com](https://www.merck.com/news/merck-to-acquire-verona-pharma-expanding-its-portfolio-to-include-ohtuvayre-ensifentrine-a-first-in-class-copd-maintenance-treatment-for-adults-and-expected-to-drive-growth-into-the-next-dec/?utm_source=openai))
Merck’s stock is currently trading at $83.77, reflecting a 2.4% increase, while Verona Pharma’s shares have risen by 20.6% to $104.74 following the announcement. Merck & Co. has announced its intention to acquire Verona Pharma Plc for approximately $10 billion, a move that will enhance its respiratory treatment portfolio. The acquisition centers on Ohtuvayre, Verona’s recently approved inhaled therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ([merck.com](https://www.merck.com/news/merck-to-acquire-verona-pharma-expanding-its-portfolio-to-include-ohtuvayre-ensifentrine-a-first-in-class-copd-maintenance-treatment-for-adults-and-expected-to-drive-growth-into-the-next-dec/?utm_source=openai))
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is advising Merck on this transaction, while Latham & Watkins LLP is representing Verona Pharma.
Ohtuvayre, approved by the FDA in June 2024, is the first novel inhaled maintenance treatment for COPD in over two decades. It functions as a dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 enzymes, offering both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects. Since its U.S. launch, the drug has filled over 25,000 prescriptions, with analysts projecting peak annual sales nearing $4 billion by the mid-2030s. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/bf1c2253-15b3-426a-975d-15ddca1d84a5?utm_source=openai))
This acquisition aligns with Merck’s strategy to diversify its portfolio ahead of the anticipated 2028 patent expiration of its leading cancer drug, Keytruda, which generated nearly $30 billion in revenue in 2024. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, pending regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. ([merck.com](https://www.merck.com/news/merck-to-acquire-verona-pharma-expanding-its-portfolio-to-include-ohtuvayre-ensifentrine-a-first-in-class-copd-maintenance-treatment-for-adults-and-expected-to-drive-growth-into-the-next-dec/?utm_source=openai))
Merck’s stock is currently trading at $83.77, reflecting a 2.4% increase, while Verona Pharma’s shares have risen by 20.6% to $104.74 following the announcement.