Mercks Strategic Acquisition: A $9.2 Billion Bet on Cidara TherapeuticsPharmaceutical giant Merck has made a significant move, acquiring biotechnology company Cidara Therapeutics for $9.2 billion. This acquisition aims to bolster Mercks respiratory drug offerings, particularly as it prepares for the upcoming patent expiration of its blockbuster cancer drug, Keytruda.Merck is paying $221.50 per share for Cidara, more than double its closing price the day before. The main attraction is Cidaras lead drug candidate, CD388, an antiviral agent in phase three trials designed to prevent influenza infections in high-risk individuals. This could be a major new product for Merck.The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, following Mercks $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma last month. Mercks CEO, Rob Davis, believes CD388 could be a key growth driver for the company over the next decade, creating significant value for shareholders. These acquisitions are part of Mercks strategy to diversify its product line before Keytrudas patent expires in 2028.

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