Verona Pharma Surges to 38th in Trading Volume as Merck Acquisition Sparks Market Interest

On July 14, 2025, Verona Pharma (VRNA) experienced a significant trading volume of 16.37 billion, marking a 42.98% increase from the previous day. This surge placed Verona Pharma at the 38th position in terms of trading volume for the day. However, the stock price of Verona Pharma declined by 0.15%, marking the second consecutive day of decline, with a total decrease of 0.17% over the past two days.

Merck & Co., a prominent pharmaceutical company, has announced its intention to acquire Verona Pharma, a UK-based lung therapy company. This news has sparked a significant interest in the market, with Verona Pharma's shares experiencing a notable increase in trading volume.

The acquisition deal, valued at $10 billion, includes a newly approved treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that has the potential to generate over $3 billion in revenue. This strategic move by Merck aims to diversify its portfolio beyond its flagship drug, Keytruda, and strengthen its position in the respiratory therapy market.

Verona Pharma's shares have seen a surge in premarket trading following the announcement of the takeover by Merck. The acquisition has been met with approval from industry analysts, who view it as a strategic move that could benefit both companies in the long run.