Merck has announced that it will acquire Ohtuvarye inhaled ensifentrine maker Verona Pharma for a total of approximately $10 billion. Ohtuvarye, which is delivered via jet nebulizer, was approved by the FDA in June 2024 for the treatment of COPD and is manufactured by CDMO Ritedose.
Merck Chairman and CEO Robert M. Davis commented, “This acquisition of Verona Pharma reflects the commitment we have to delivering innovative treatments to patients and our ability to execute on our science-led and value-driven business development strategy. Ohtuvayre complements and expands our pipeline and portfolio of treatments for cardio-pulmonary diseases while delivering near- and long-term growth as well as value for shareholders. This novel, first-in-class treatment addresses an important unmet need for COPD patients persistently symptomatic based on its unique combination of bronchodilatory and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects. We look forward to welcoming the talented Verona Pharma team to Merck.”
Verona President and CEO David Zaccardelli said, “Today’s announced agreement with Merck is the culmination of years of focus and determination by the Verona Pharma team advancing Ohtuvayre, the first novel inhaled mechanism for the maintenance treatment of COPD in two decades. Since launching Ohtuvayre in August 2024 we have seen rapid and accelerating uptake in the US. We believe Merck’s commercial footprint and industry-leading clinical capabilities will help accelerate the potential of Ohtuvayre to reach more patients living with COPD. This agreement will enable the strong launch trajectory of this important medicine and provides value to Verona Pharma shareholders.”
Nuance Pharma, which acquired the rights to ensifentrine in China, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong from Verona Pharma in 2021, recently announced that a Chinese Phase 3 study of nebulized ensifentrine in patients with COPD met its primary endpoint.
Read the Merck press release
