But this time his company is too small to buya titan like Merck, and the joint venture could discourage buyers:It contains a "poison pill" clause that gives Merck the right to buy Schering-Plough's share of the partnership if Schering-Plough is acquired.
Moreover, few patients will buy the second-best heart pill just to save a few dollars particularly since it is probably not their money they are spending, anyway, but that of an insurer or a government.