Shots:
2025 pharma M&A was defined by fewer but more transformational deals, with companies prioritizing commercial-stage assets, late-stage pipelines, and platform technologies capable of reshaping long-term growth and strengthening core therapeutic franchises
The year’s momentum was led by three standout transactions, J&J’s $14.6B acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Novartis’ $12B deal for Avidity Biosciences, and Merck’s…
Shots:
Merck has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Verona Pharma incl. its asset Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), expanding its cardio-pulmonary pipeline & portfolio
As per the deal, Merck will acquire Verona Pharma for $107 per American Depository Share (ADS), each representing 8 ordinary Verona shares, for an aggregate of ~$10B; closing expected in Q4'25
Ohtuvayre…
Shots:
The US FDA has approved Ohtuvayre as a maintenance therapy to treat COPD patients, with its launch anticipated in Q3’24
The approval was based on the P-III (ENHANCE-1 & ENHANCE-2) studies analyzing Ohtuvayre monotx. or in addition with other maintenance therapies. Trials reached their 1EPs showing improved lung function; results were published in the…

