Cidara Therapeutics Completes Acquisition and Delisting Process

Cidara Therapeutics US1717571079

The biotechnology firm Cidara Therapeutics has formally concluded its tenure as a publicly traded entity. This follows the company's filing of a Form 15 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which suspends its obligation to publish periodic financial reports. The administrative move finalizes the company's acquisition by pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co.

Announced in November 2025, the acquisition strengthens Merck's position in the respiratory therapeutics sector. At the heart of the transaction, valued at approximately $9.2 billion, is Cidara's promising drug candidate, CD388. This long-acting antiviral is designed for the prevention of seasonal influenza in high-risk patient populations.

CD388 had previously received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2025, a status that can expedite its regulatory review. Through the deal, Merck gains not only a potential commercial success but also access to Cidara's proprietary Cloudbreak® technology platform.

Trading Halted and Squeeze-Out Finalized

The delisting from the Nasdaq exchange and the cessation of public trading occurred earlier, on January 7, 2026. That same date marked the completion of the squeeze-out process, wherein Merck purchased all remaining outstanding shares for $221.50 per share.

All Eyes on Pivotal Phase 3 Trial

Now operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck, Cidara's resources are entirely focused on advancing CD388. The crucial Phase 3 clinical trial, named ANCHOR, is currently underway. An interim analysis of the trial data is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. This outcome is expected to be a major determinant of the drug's commercial pathway and its potential market value for Merck.