Workflow
Merck's VRNA Buyout to Add Novel COPD Therapy: How to Play the Stock?
ZACKS·2025-07-11 21:20

Key Takeaways MRK to acquire Verona Pharma for 10B,addingFDAapprovedCOPDdrugOhtuvayretoitsportfolio.OhtuvayreoffersdualPDE3/4inhibition,combiningbronchodilationandantiinflammatoryeffects.ThedealsupportsMRKsdiversificationasKeytrudafacespatentexpiryandincreasedcompetition.Earlierthisweek, Merck(MRK)announcedadefinitiveagreementtoacquireVeronaPharma (VRNA)forapproximately10B, adding FDA-approved COPD drug Ohtuvayre to its portfolio. Ohtuvayre offers dual PDE3/4 inhibition, combining bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects. The deal supports MRK's diversification as Keytruda faces patent expiry and increased competition. Earlier this week, Merck (MRK) announced a definitive agreement to acquire Verona Pharma (VRNA) for approximately 10 billion. The deal will add Verona’s Ohtuvayre, approved for the maintenance treatmen ...