# Merck Announces $10 Billion Acquisition of Verona Pharma to Add First-in-Class COPD Drug Ohtuvayre

> ma · REPORTED · 2025-07-08

On July 8, 2025, Merck announced a definitive agreement to acquire Verona Pharma for approximately $10 billion, adding Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), the first FDA-approved dual PDE3/4 inhibitor for COPD maintenance treatment, to its cardio-pulmonary portfolio. The deal was the largest pharma acquisition announced in the first half of 2025 and closed in Q4 2025.

About Merck: Merck is a global pharmaceutical company developing and commercializing medicines and vaccines across oncology, infectious disease, cardiovascular, and pulmonary therapeutic areas.

- Company: Merck
- Sector: therapeutics
- Primary source: 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-decade/

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Source: MedFuel Intel news monitor. Verification tier: REPORTED. Informational only, not investment advice. Corrections: media@medfuelinc.com.