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

> ma · REPORTED · 2025-07-09

On July 9, 2025, Merck announced a definitive agreement to acquire Verona Pharma for approximately $10 billion, adding Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), the first novel inhaled mechanism for COPD treatment in over 20 years and the first FDA-approved dual PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor for COPD maintenance in adults. The deal was the largest-ever takeover of a UK biotech and ultimately closed in October 2025.

About Verona Pharma / Merck: Verona Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on respiratory diseases, best known for Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), an FDA-approved first-in-class inhaled dual PDE3/4 inhibitor for maintenance treatment of COPD in adults.

- Company: Verona Pharma / 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-dec/

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