Verona Pharma has been approved for acquisition by MSD for $107 per American Depository Share, with a total transaction value of approximately $10 billion. The High Court of Justice of England and Wales has sanctioned the scheme, with the transaction expected to close on October 7, 2025.

Verona Pharma shareholders voted to approve Merck's acquisition proposal for $107 per ADS, valuing the transaction at approximately $10 billion. The acquisition is expected to be completed on October 7, 2025, pending final court approval.

Verona Pharma will present two posters at the ERS International Congress 2025 highlighting additional analyses of its Phase 3 ENHANCE studies for Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), a novel inhaled therapy for COPD maintenance treatment with dual enzyme inhibition capabilities.

The PDE4B inhibitors market is expected to surge significantly by 2034, with promising therapeutic potential across respiratory, dermatologic, and inflammatory diseases. Emerging therapies and clinical trials are driving market expansion, targeting conditions like COPD, asthma, and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.

The global COPD treatment devices market is projected to grow at a 6% CAGR by 2032, driven by rising COPD incidence, aging populations, increased tobacco use, and technological innovations in respiratory support devices.