Merck Completes $10B Acquisition of Verona Pharma, Adds COPD Drug Ohtuvayre

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the best growth stocks to buy now. On October 7, Merck & Co. announced the completion of its acquisition of Verona Pharma (NASDAQ:VRNA). Verona Pharma is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck. The acquisition is valued at ~$10 billion and was executed under the terms of an agreement where Merck, through a subsidiary, acquired all outstanding shares of Verona Pharma.

The acquisition strengthens and complements Merck’s cardio-pulmonary portfolio with the addition of Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine). Ohtuvayre is a first-in-class selective dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 (PDE3 and PDE4) and was approved by the US FDA in June 2024 for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/COPD in adult patients.

It is the first novel inhaled mechanism for COPD maintenance treatment in more than 20 years. Ohtuvayre is also currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) operates as a healthcare company worldwide. The company offers human health pharmaceuticals for various areas under several brands. It also provides veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines & health management solutions and services.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.