Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has announced its acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. for a total transaction value of approximately $9.2 billion. The acquisition is aligned with Merck’s strategy to diversify and expand its pipeline, with the aim of augmenting its portfolio with CD388, an investigational long-acting, strain-agnostic antiviral agent currently in phase 3. CD388 is designed to prevent influenza infection in individuals at higher risk of influenza complications.
CD388, Cidara’s lead candidate, is an innovative product consisting of a small molecule neuraminidase inhibitor stably conjugated to a proprietary FC fragment of a human antibody, currently being evaluated in the phase 3 anchor study (NCT07159763). Results from the phase 2b Navigate study (NCT06609460) supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have led to CD388 being granted breakthrough therapy designation and fast track designation.
Influenza is a significant global health threat, causing widespread illness, morbidity, and death each year, particularly in older adults and immunocompromised individuals. With an estimated 1 billion people worldwide infected by seasonal influenza annually, and 290,000-650,000 deaths occurring due to flu each year globally, the acquisition of CD388 represents a significant step in addressing unmet needs in influenza prevention.
The transaction has been approved by both Merck’s and Cidara Therapeutics’ boards of directors and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. This acquisition is anticipated to expand and complement Merck’s respiratory portfolio and pipeline, marking a transformational moment for Cidara and its mission to redefine influenza prevention. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares -1.05% to a price of $105.99. For the full picture, make sure to review Cidara Therapeutics's 8-K report.
