Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced the successful completion of the cash tender offer, through a subsidiary, for all the outstanding shares of common stock of Cidara Therapeutics.

“The acquisition of Cidara strengthens and complements our expanding respiratory portfolio and exemplifies our business development strategy of investing where compelling science and value meet,” said Robert M. Davis, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck.

“CD388, a potentially first-in-class, long-acting antiviral with strain-agnostic properties, underscores that approach. We look forward to building on Cidara’s progress and further evaluating the potential of this candidate for the prevention of symptomatic influenza in certain individuals at high risk of complications.”

Merck completed the cash offer at a purchase price of $221.50 per share of common stock of Cidara, without interest and subject to deduction for any required tax withholding.

Merck intends to complete today the acquisition through a merger of Merck’s wholly owned subsidiary with and into Cidara, with Cidara being the surviving corporation.

After the completion of the merger, Cidara will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck and the common stock of Cidara will no longer be listed or traded on the Nasdaq Global Market.

The acquisition is expected to be accounted for as an asset acquisition, resulting in a charge that will increase 2026 research and development expenses by approximately $9.0 billion or approximately $3.65 per share, included in GAAP and non-GAAP results.