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

Group 1 - Merck & Co. has completed the acquisition of Verona Pharma for approximately $10 billion, making Verona a wholly-owned subsidiary [1][3] - The acquisition enhances Merck's cardio-pulmonary portfolio by adding Ohtuvayre, a first-in-class drug approved for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [2][3] - Ohtuvayre represents the first novel inhaled mechanism for COPD maintenance treatment in over 20 years and is also being evaluated for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis [3] Group 2 - Merck operates globally as a healthcare company, providing human health pharmaceuticals, veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions [4]