Merck Strikes $10-Billion Deal For Verona, Secures First-In-Class COPD Drug

Merck & Co. Inc. MRK agreed on Wednesday to acquire Verona Pharma plc VRNA for $107 per American Depository Share (ADS) for a total transaction value of approximately $10 billion. Each ADS represents eight ordinary shares of Verona Pharma.Through the acquisition of this respiratory disease-focused company, Merck will add Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), a first-in-class, selective dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 (PDE3 and PDE4), to its cardiovascular and pulmonary pipeline and portfolio.Also Read: Rege ...