Merck completed a $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma, acquiring the COPD drug ensifentrine after minimal competition during the bidding process. The acquisition consolidates Merck's presence in respiratory medicine, bolstered by ensifentrine’s regulatory approval and commercial uptake. Separately, Merck’s newly approved infant antibody for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) received CDC recommendation, endorsing its use for preventing severe RSV disease in infants. Additionally, Merck’s monoclonal antibody targeting phospho-tau (MK-2214) shows preclinical promise to slow Alzheimer's pathology. These developments signal Merck’s bolstering of its respiratory and neurodegenerative disease portfolios.