Merck: could buy Verona Pharma for $10bn

Published: 2025-07-09 04:20:27 ET MRK

Published on 07/09/2025 at 04:20

Merck is in advanced talks to acquire the British respiratory treatment company Verona Pharma, according to the Financial Times. The deal could be worth up to $10bn, valuing the stock at $107, i.e. a 23% premium over the last closing price.According to the FT, discussions are at a very advanced stage and an official announcement could be made today.Verona obtained FDA approval in 2024 for Ohtuvayre, a treatment for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which generated sales of $71.3m in Q1  2025. Sales forecasts are expected to peak between $1bn and $4bn by 2035, Invest Securities reported this morning.Verona is also developing other drug candidates, including treatments for asthma and cystic fibrosis, the broker said.Copyright (c) 2025 CercleFinance.com. All rights reserved.