Merck's $10B Verona Deal: A High-Stakes Play in Respiratory Care
This acquisition centers on Ohtuvayre® (ensifentrine), Verona's first-in-class inhaled COPD maintenance therapy, launched in August 2024 and already showing rapid adoption, including over $40 million in sales during 2024 and roughly $71 million in Q1 2025. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025 pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, and marks Merck's largest acquisition since its Prometheus and Acceleron deals.
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Taken by itself, this deal spotlights why hedge funds see multibagger potential: Merck's agreement validates Ohtuvayre's market opportunity and gives shareholders immediate upside via a solid takeover premium. It also signals confidence in Verona's pipeline and commercial execution.
Verona Pharma plc (Nasdaq: VRNA) is a UK-based biotech focused on treatments for respiratory diseases. Its lead product, Ohtuvayre, is FDA-approved for COPD and commercially available in the U.S., and is also being evaluated in clinical trials for bronchiectasis.
While we acknowledge the potential of VRNA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
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