Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics for $9.2 Billion
Merck & Co. has agreed to acquire Cidara Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, for approximately $9.2 billion in cash ($221.50 per share).
The acquisition centers on Cidara’s lead candidate CD388, a long-acting, potentially first-in-class antiviral in Phase III development designed to prevent influenza A and B in high-risk individuals.
CD388 has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations and is being evaluated in late-stage trials for universal prevention of seasonal and pandemic influenza.
The deal is part of Merck’s strategy to diversify its pipeline and offset future revenue loss from Keytruda’s patent expiration.
Multiple bidders were reportedly interested in Cidara, but Merck secured the deal; the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in Q1 2026.