# Merck Announces $10 Billion Acquisition of Verona Pharma for FDA-Approved COPD Drug Ohtuvayre

> ma · REPORTED · 2025-07-01

Merck announced a planned $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma in July 2025, adding Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), the first FDA-approved dual PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to its cardiopulmonary portfolio. The deal reflects Big Pharma's urgency to secure differentiated late-stage assets ahead of looming patent expirations.

About Merck: Verona Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on respiratory disease, with its lead product Ohtuvayre being the first-in-class dual phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 inhibitor approved by the FDA for the maintenance treatment of COPD.

- Company: Merck
- Sector: therapeutics
- Primary source: https://www.drugdiscoverynews.com/weekly-rundown-neuralink-launches-16556

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