Verona brings with it Ohtuvayre, an inhaled treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often known as smoker's lung. The drug was approved earlier this year and has generated $42.3 million in sales so far in 2024;

Merck said on Wednesday it will acquire UK-based Verona Pharma for about $10 billion, gaining a promising respiratory treatment as it faces pressure to diversify beyond its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda.

Merck & Co. is acquiring Verona Pharma PLC in a $10 billion deal that will expand the pharmaceutical giant’s portfolio of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatments with Verona Pharma’s Ohtuvayre.