Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics in $9.2 Billion Deal to Boost Flu Prevention

Merck said the deal will enable it to expand its portfolio with CD388, a long-acting antiviral aimed at preventing flu in people at high risk of complications.

A view of the Merck & Co. campus in Linden, N.J., on March 9, 2009. Jeff Zelevansky/Reuters

Biotech giant Merck announced plans on Nov. 14 to acquire Cidara Therapeutics for $9.2 billion to develop medications for the prevention of influenza.

In a company statement, Merck Chairman and CEO Robert Davis said the deal will enable the company to augment its pharmaceuticals with CD388, a long-acting antiviral designed to prevent influenza in individuals at high risk of complications.