Cidara Therapeutics to be acquired by Merck (MRK) for $221.50 per share in cash
- Merck (MRK) agreed to acquire Cidara Therapeutics (CDTX) for $221.50/share in cash, valuing the transaction at ~$9.2B, as part of its strategy to broaden its infectious disease pipeline.
- Deal centers on CD388, a long-acting, strain-agnostic antiviral in Phase 3 (ANCHOR) for preventing influenza in high-risk individuals; the candidate has Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations and showed strong efficacy in the Phase 2b NAVIGATE trial.
- CD388 combines a neuraminidase inhibitor with a proprietary Fc-antibody fragment, aiming to provide a durable prevention option beyond vaccines and traditional antivirals.
- Boards of both companies have approved the transaction; closing is expected in Q1 2026, pending a successful tender offer, HSR clearance, and customary conditions.
The company was formerly known as K2 Therapeutics, Inc. and changed its name to Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. in July 2014.
- Sector: Healthcare
- Industry: Biotechnology
- Full Time Employees: 38
- Incorporated in 2012
- Based in San Diego, California
- https://www.cidara.com
