Merck Strikes $10-Billion Deal For Verona, Secures First-In-Class COPD Drug

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) agreed on Wednesday to acquire Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA) for $107 per American Depository Share (ADS) for a total transaction value of approximately $10 billion. Each ADS represents eight ordinary shares of Verona Pharma.

Through the acquisition of this respiratory disease-focused company, Merck will add Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), a first-in-class, selective dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 (PDE3 and PDE4), to its cardiovascular and pulmonary pipeline and portfolio.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ohtuvayre in June 2024 for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult patients.

Ohtuvayre is the first novel inhaled mechanism for COPD in more than 20 years, combining bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects.

Ohtuvayre is also being ...