MSD has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Cidara Therapeutics for USD 221.50 per share, representing a USD 9.2 billion total enterprise value, gaining Phase III long-acting antiviral candidate CD388 for influenza prevention in high-risk populations. The Fc-conjugated small-molecule neuraminidase inhibitor targets both influenza A and B strains with potential for a twice-yearly dosing regimen currently evaluated in the Phase III ANCHOR trial for adolescents and adults at risk of complications. Cidara's lead asset received breakthrough therapy designation (BTD) in the US following the Phase IIb NAVIGATE study meeting primary endpoints in unvaccinated healthy adults.

The acquisition expands MSD's respiratory portfolio following the USD 10 billion purchase of Verona Pharma in July 2025, adding Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. MSD CEO Robert Davis highlighted CD388's first-in-class potential as an important growth driver, addressing a significant unmet need in influenza prevention where current vaccines demonstrate limited efficacy in immunocompromised populations. The transaction continues MSD's science-driven business development strategy strengthening its pipeline across infectious diseases, oncology and cardiovascular therapeutics through targeted acquisitions of late-stage assets with differentiated mechanisms and commercial potential.

According to PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database, this is MSD's second-largets deal in the field of infectious diseases. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.