Merck said on Wednesday it will acquire UK-based Verona Pharma for about $10 billion, gaining a promising respiratory treatment as it faces pressure to diversify beyond its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda.

The move bolsters Merck’s lineup as it braces for the 2028 loss of patent exclusivity for blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda.

Merck says it will acquire London-based Verona Pharma for about US$10bil, gaining a promising respiratory treatment as it faces pressure to diversify beyond its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda.