Pharmaceutical giant Merck, which maintains major operations in Montgomery County, has completed its $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma, writes the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.
The acquisition strengthens its cardio-pulmonary treatment lineup with the addition of Ohtuvayre, a breakthrough therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Verona Pharma now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck, and its shares have been delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market. The acquisition marks a major move in Merck’s ongoing strategy to expand its portfolio through innovative, science-driven investments.
“Ohtuvayre is a novel, first-in-class maintenance treatment targeting an important unmet need for adult patients with COPD,” said Merck Chairman and CEO Robert M. Davis.
Approved by the FDA in June 2024, Ohtuvayre is the first new inhaled therapy for COPD in over 20 years. It combines bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects, helping improve breathing and reduce inflammation in adults with chronic lung disease. The drug is also being studied for potential use in treating non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
The deal further cements Merck’s role as a regional and global leader in respiratory medicine. Read more about Merck’s acquisition of Verona Pharma in the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.
