On June 26, 2024, Verona Pharma announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult patients. Ohtuvayre is the first inhaled product with a novel mechanism of action available for the maintenance treatment of COPD in more than 20 years. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Verona Pharma on patent matters.

Ohtuvayre is a first-in-class selective dual inhibitor of the enzymes phosphodiesterase 3 and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE3 and PDE4) that combines bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects in one molecule. Ohtuvayre is delivered directly to the lungs through a standard jet nebulizer without the need for high inspiratory flow rates or complex hand-breath coordination.

The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Verona Pharma on patent matters included Derrick Rowe, Vern Norviel, Lou Lieto, Trevor Lyons, Ying Chen, Joseph Lesniewski, and Cassidy Evaristo.

For more information, please see Verona Pharma’s press release.