Merck Completes Acquisition of Verona Pharma for $10 Billion, Adding Ohtuvayre to Cardio-Pulmonary Portfolio

Merck has completed its acquisition of Verona Pharma, adding Ohtuvayre, a first-in-class maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to its portfolio. The acquisition strengthens Merck's cardio-pulmonary pipeline and is expected to negatively impact non-GAAP EPS by $0.16 in the first 12 months. Ohtuvayre is a novel, inhaled mechanism for COPD maintenance treatment that combines bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects.