Merck & Co. is reportedly poised to acquire Verona Pharma PLC in a $10 billion deal, expanding its presence in the respiratory disease market and providing a new revenue stream as its flagship cancer drug Keytruda’s patent nears expiration.

Verona Pharma PLC has secured an amended strategic financing arrangement with Oaktree and OMERS, bolstering its position in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape and enabling continued advancement of its respiratory therapeutics.