New Delhi, July 9 -- US drugmaker Merck said on Wednesday it will buy UK-based Verona Pharma for about $10 billion.

The acquisition will strengthen Merck's respiratory treatments as part of efforts to reduce dependence on its blockbuster cancer treatment.

Keytruda, the world's top-selling drug with nearly $30 billion in revenue last year, is nearing key patent expirations from 2028, and Merck has doubled down on efforts to reshape its portfolio.

The deal gives the US drugmaker control of Ohtuvayre, a newly approved treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly called "smoker's lung". In 2024, the drug has generated sales of $42.3 million.

"Ohtuvayre complements and expands our pipeline and portfolio of treatments for c...