MSD has announced the acquisition of UK-based biopharmaceutical firm Verona Pharma, in a $10bn agreement aimed at bolstering its pipeline of cardio-pulmonary treatments.
Both parties described the buyout as an opportunity to address unmet needs in the field. MSD will harness Verona Pharma’s specialist expertise in respiratory diseases, while Verona gains access to MSD’s extensive clinical and marketing network to expand the global reach of its medicines.
“This acquisition of Verona Pharma reflects the commitment we have to delivering innovative treatments to patients,” said Robert M. Davis, Chairman and CEO, MSD. “Today’s agreement with MSD is the culmination of years of focus and determination by the Verona Pharma team,” added David Zaccardelli, President and CEO, Verona Pharma. “We believe MSD’s commercial footprint and industry-leading clinical capabilities will help accelerate the potential of Verona Pharma to reach more patients.”
The acquisition follows other recent efforts by MSD to diversify and strengthen its innovative medicines pipeline. In 2024, the company has acquired EyeBio, known for retinal disease research, as well as Curon Biopharmaceutical, focused on the field of autoimmune diseases.
The Verona deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.
