UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14D-9

SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT UNDER

SECTION 14(d)(4) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

(Name of Subject Company)

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

(Name of Persons Filing Statement)

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and the

Associated Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

(Title of Class of Securities)

457733103

(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)

Joseph M. Spagnardi

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

8081 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 400

Raleigh, NC 27617

(919) 941-9777

(Name, address and telephone numbers of person authorized to receive notices

and communications on behalf of the persons filing statement)

Copies to:

Russell L. Leaf

Adam M. Turteltaub

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10019

(212) 728-8000

x Check the box if the filing relates solely to preliminary communications made before the commencement of a tender offer.

Attached hereto are the following communications:

• Exhibit A- Joint press release of Merck & Co. Inc. (“Merck”) and Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Inspire”) dated April 5, 2011, announcing that Merck and Inspire have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which Merck has agreed to acquire Inspire.

• Exhibit B- Internal Memorandum from Adrian Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer to all employees of Inspire on April 5, 2011.

• Exhibit C- Transcript of voicemail left with each home office employee of Inspire on April 5, 2011.

• Exhibit D- Transcript of voicemail left with each field force employee of Inspire on April, 5, 2011.

• Exhibit E- Form of letter sent to third party stakeholders on April 5, 2011.

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