Welcome to our dedicated page for Verona Pharma news (Ticker: VRNA), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Verona Pharma stock.
Verona Pharma PLC (VRNA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing innovative therapies for chronic respiratory diseases. This page serves as the definitive source for official news, including updates on clinical trials, regulatory milestones, and strategic partnerships.
Investors and researchers can track developments related to key programs like ensifentrine for COPD treatment, with real-time access to press releases about FDA submissions, trial results, and manufacturing collaborations. Our curated collection ensures you never miss critical updates about respiratory therapy innovations.
Explore verified information on phase III trial progress, regulatory communications, and research partnerships with leading medical institutions. All content is sourced directly from company filings and official statements to maintain accuracy.
Bookmark this page for streamlined access to VRNA's latest advancements in treating COPD, cystic fibrosis, and asthma. Check regularly for developments that shape the future of respiratory care.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) completed the acquisition of Verona Pharma on October 7, 2025, acquiring all ADS for $107 per ADS (each ADS = eight ordinary shares) for a total transaction value of approximately $10 billion. Verona Pharma becomes a wholly owned Merck subsidiary and its ADS will no longer trade on Nasdaq.
The deal adds Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)—an FDA‑approved (June 2024) first‑in‑class inhaled maintenance treatment for COPD—to Merck’s cardio‑pulmonary portfolio, and Ohtuvayre is being evaluated in bronchiectasis trials. Merck expects most of the purchase price to be capitalized as an intangible asset and amortized for GAAP purposes, and estimates a ~$0.16 negative impact on non‑GAAP EPS in the first 12 months related to financing costs partially offset by Ohtuvayre performance.
Verona Pharma (Nasdaq: VRNA) announced that the High Court of Justice of England and Wales has sanctioned a Court‑approved scheme for MSD to acquire Verona for $107 per ADS (each ADS = eight ordinary shares), implying a total transaction value of approximately $10 billion. The Court Order is expected to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies on October 7, 2025, when the Scheme will become effective and the transaction will close. Verona ADSs are expected to cease trading after October 6, 2025, with trading halted before the open on October 7, 2025.
Verona Pharma (NASDAQ: VRNA) shareholders have approved the company's proposed $10 billion acquisition by Merck (NYSE: MRK). The transaction, announced on July 8, 2025, values Verona at $107 per American Depositary Share (ADS), with each ADS representing eight ordinary shares.
The acquisition, structured as a scheme of arrangement under English law, received overwhelming shareholder support with 99.49% approval at the Court Meeting and 99.51% approval at the General Meeting. The transaction is expected to close on October 7, 2025, subject to final Court sanction at a hearing scheduled for October 6, 2025.
Verona Pharma (NASDAQ:VRNA) announced the presentation of two posters featuring additional analyses from its Phase 3 ENHANCE studies of Ohtuvayre® (ensifentrine) for COPD treatment at the upcoming ERS International Congress 2025.
Ohtuvayre, representing the first novel inhaled COPD maintenance treatment mechanism in over 20 years, is a first-in-class dual inhibitor of PDE3 and PDE4 enzymes that uniquely combines bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects. The posters will analyze the drug's impact on lung function, exacerbation rates, COPD symptoms, and quality of life based on baseline dyspnea levels.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Verona Pharma (Nasdaq: VRNA) for $107 per ADS, representing a total transaction value of approximately $10 billion. The acquisition's centerpiece is Ohtuvayre® (ensifentrine), a first-in-class COPD maintenance treatment that received FDA approval in June 2024.
Ohtuvayre is the first novel inhaled mechanism for COPD treatment in over 20 years, combining bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects. The drug, launched in August 2024, has shown rapid market uptake and is also being evaluated for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
The transaction, unanimously approved by both boards, is expected to close in Q4 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions. The acquisition aligns with Merck's science-led business development strategy and aims to expand its cardio-pulmonary portfolio.
Verona Pharma (Nasdaq: VRNA) has announced its participation in two major healthcare investor conferences in June 2025. The company's senior management will engage in fireside chats at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on June 4, 2025, at 11:05 a.m. ET in New York, and the Goldman Sachs 46th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on June 9, 2025, at 2:40 p.m. ET in Miami. Webcasts of both presentations will be accessible through the Events and Presentations section on Verona Pharma's investor website.
Verona Pharma reported strong Q1 2025 financial results, with total net revenue of $76.3 million, primarily driven by Ohtuvayre net sales of $71.3 million - a 95% growth compared to Q4 2024. The COPD treatment medication achieved approximately 25,000 prescriptions filled in Q1, with refills representing 60% of overall dispenses.
Key performance metrics include:
- New patient starts increased over 25% vs Q4 2024
- Prescriber base grew 50% to ~5,300 healthcare professionals
- Cash position of $401.4 million as of March 31, 2025
The company plans to expand its sales force with 30 new representatives in Q3 and is advancing clinical trials, including a Phase 2 study for bronchiectasis and a planned Phase 2b study for a fixed-dose combination treatment. Notably, quarterly revenue exceeded operating expenses for the first time, excluding non-cash charges, positioning Verona strongly for continued growth.
Verona Pharma (Nasdaq: VRNA) has scheduled its first quarter 2025 financial results announcement for Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The company will host an investment community conference call at 9:00 a.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. BST to discuss the financial results and provide a corporate update.
Investors can participate via phone by dialing +1-800-715-9871 (US callers) or +1-646-307-1963 (international callers). A live webcast will be available through the Events and Presentations section on the company's investor webpage, with audio replay accessible for 90 days.
Xeris Biopharma Holdings (Nasdaq: XERS) announced changes to its Board of Directors. Ricki Fairley has resigned effective immediately, while John Schmid will not seek re-election at the 2025 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which will reduce the board size to eight members.
The company has appointed James Brady as a new director to fill the immediate vacancy. Brady brings over thirty years of experience from AstraZeneca, where he held various leadership positions, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer of MedImmune, AstraZeneca's biologics discovery and development division. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of Verona Pharma plc (Nasdaq: VRNA).
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