US Edition
Merck spends $10 billion for Verona, gaining access to its COPD medication
UNITED STATES, JUL 9 – Merck’s $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma adds Ohtuvayre, a novel COPD drug addressing a key unmet need, with over 96% of Verona’s revenue from this therapy.
- Merck & Co. agreed on a $10 billion deal on Wednesday to acquire UK-based Verona Pharma, a specialist in respiratory medicines.
- Merck pursued this acquisition to offset revenue loss expected after its top drug Keytruda loses patent exclusivity in 2028.
- Verona's main asset, Ohtuvayre, is an FDA-approved inhaled treatment for COPD launched in August 2024, showing strong prescription growth and ongoing studies in other lung diseases.
- Merck will pay $107 per Verona share, a more than 23% premium to the closing stock price, reflecting confidence in Ohtuvayre’s multibillion-dollar market potential.
- The acquisition, approved by both companies' boards, is anticipated to finalize before year-end and will enhance Merck’s cardio-pulmonary portfolio amid ongoing mid-stage respiratory drug developments.
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MedCity News
DealbreakerMerck Breathes Life Into Its Respiratory Prospects With $10B Deal to Buy Verona Pharma
Verona Pharma brings to Merck the inhaled drug Ohtuvayre, which is FDA approved as a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While Ohtuvayre is projected to become a blockbuster product in COPD alone, its potential extends to other respiratory disorders as well. The post Merck Breathes Life Into Its Respiratory Prospects With $10B Deal to Buy Verona Pharma appeared first on MedCity News.
Madrid. The US pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., known outside the United States and Canada as MSD, announced on Wednesday that it will buy for about $10 billion (€8.544 million) the British biotechnology company Verona Pharma, specialized in respiratory ailments. According to a press release, Merck will be made with the English firm through a subsidiary after paying $107 (€91.42) for each ADS, equivalent to about eight ordinary shares of Vero…
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