Merck to Acquire London Based Verona Pharma in £7.8 Billion Deal

Verona Biotech, the London-based biotech company behind a breakthrough treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been acquired by US pharmaceutical giant Merck for around $10 billion (£7.8 billion). The deal is one of the largest takeovers of a UK biotech company in recent years and signals both the strength and vulnerability of Britain's life sciences sector.

Verona's lead drug, Ohtuvayre, was approved by the US FDA in June and is the first new inhaled COPD maintenance therapy in over 20 years. It’s already being rolled out across the US through a co-commercialisation partnership with British firm Hikma Pharmaceuticals.

The deal has been well received in the market and represents a notable outcome for Verona’s leadership team, with some expected to benefit from share-based incentives. At the same time, the acquisition may prompt more discussion about the broader trend of UK biotech firms being acquired by international companies, particularly as they reach late-stage development or commercial readiness.

Founded in 2005, Verona Pharma listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market before also joining Nasdaq. Despite operating across both the UK and US, the company maintained a strong R&D presence in London.

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