Merck Completes Acquisition of Verona Pharma

Merck has completed its previously announced acquisition of Verona Pharma plc. Verona Pharma is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck and the American Depositary Shares (ADS) of Verona Pharma will no longer be listed or traded on the Nasdaq Global Market. The total transaction value was approximately $10 billion.

“The Verona Pharma acquisition strengthens and complements our portfolio of treatments for patients with cardio-pulmonary diseases to include Ohtuvayre, while delivering near and long-term growth as well as value for shareholders,” said Robert M. Davis, Chairman and CEO, Merck. “The addition of Ohtuvayre is another strong example of our business development strategy, which focuses on opportunities where compelling science and value align.”

Through this acquisition Merck has added Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), a first-in-class selective dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 (PDE3 and PDE4), to its growing cardio-pulmonary pipeline and portfolio. 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 the maintenance treatment of COPD in more than 20 years and combines bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects. Ohtuvayre is also being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Other Pharma Industry Acquisitions

Check out Contract Pharma’s Pharmaceutical Industry Mergers & Acquisitions Roundup.