Core Viewpoint - Merck & Co. Inc. is acquiring Verona Pharma plc for approximately $10 billion, adding Ohtuvayre, a novel treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to its portfolio [1][2][4] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price is set at $107 per American Depository Share (ADS), with each ADS representing eight ordinary shares of Verona Pharma [1] - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, with most of the purchase price capitalized as an intangible asset for Ohtuvayre [3] Group 2: Product Information - Ohtuvayre, approved by the U.S. FDA in June 2024, is the first new inhaled mechanism for COPD in over 20 years, combining bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects [2] - Ohtuvayre is also under evaluation in clinical trials for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis [2] Group 3: Industry Context - The acquisition reflects a trend of large pharmaceutical companies acquiring biotech firms with approved, revenue-generating products to replace revenue from drugs losing patent protection [4] - Merck's Keytruda, the top-selling drug globally with nearly $30 billion in annual revenue, is expected to face patent expiration and U.S. government price-setting rules by 2028 [4] Group 4: Merck's Acquisition Strategy - Since Rob Davis became CEO in April 2021, Merck has been highly active in acquisitions and licensing, with the highest deal count and spending in the pharmaceutical industry [5] - Investors are urging Merck to pursue more deals to offset anticipated sales declines following Keytruda's patent expiration, with Davis seeking deals worth between $1 billion and $15 billion [5] Group 5: Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Verona Pharma's stock rose by 20.7% to $104.83, while Merck's stock increased by 0.50% to $81.78 during premarket trading [6]