Core Viewpoint - Merck has successfully completed the cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of Cidara Therapeutics, enhancing its respiratory portfolio and aligning with its business development strategy focused on compelling science and value [2][3]. Acquisition Details - Merck acquired Cidara at a purchase price of $221.50 per share, with 27,149,333 shares validly tendered, representing approximately 85.96% of Cidara's total shares [2][3]. - The acquisition will be finalized through a merger, with Cidara becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck, and its common stock will no longer be traded on the Nasdaq [3]. Financial Impact - The acquisition is expected to increase Merck's research and development expenses by approximately $9.0 billion, or about $3.65 per share, affecting both GAAP and non-GAAP results [3]. - GAAP and non-GAAP EPS are projected to be negatively impacted by approximately $0.30 per share in the first 12 months due to costs associated with advancing CD388 and financing [3]. Product Information - CD388 is a long-acting antiviral candidate designed to prevent influenza infection in high-risk individuals, with broad antiviral activity against influenza A and B viruses [5]. - CD388 is currently undergoing evaluation in the Phase 3 ANCHOR study among adults and adolescents at higher risk of complications from influenza [5]. Industry Context - Influenza affects an estimated one billion people globally each year, with severe cases leading to 290,000-650,000 deaths annually [4].

Group 1 - Cidara Therapeutics Inc. is projected to be a top performer with a 721.76% increase in 2025, driven by a merger with Merck valued at $9.2 billion [1] - The merger agreement includes Merck's subsidiary acquiring Cidara's shares at $221.50 each, representing a 108% premium over Cidara's closing price of $105.99 prior to the announcement [1] - The acquisition follows Cidara receiving a fast track designation from the FDA for its drug candidate CD388, aimed at preventing influenza in high-risk individuals [2] Group 2 - CD388 is currently in a Phase 3 study involving 6,000 participants in the US and UK, targeting individuals at higher risk of influenza complications [2] - Merck's acquisition is expected to enhance its respiratory portfolio, addressing the significant global health threat posed by influenza, particularly for older adults and immunocompromised individuals [2] - The merger is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals [2]

Company Overview - Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focusing on developing innovative long-acting anti-infective therapies for serious diseases [5] - The company utilizes proprietary platforms to address unmet medical needs in infectious disease and oncology, aiming to provide differentiated therapeutic options [5] - Cidara's lead products include rezafungin acetate for invasive fungal infections and Cloudbreak platform conjugates targeting viral diseases such as influenza, RSV, HIV, and COVID-19 [8] Financial Metrics - As of November 13, 2025, Cidara's stock price was $105.99, reflecting a one-year price change of 662.52% [2][3] - The company's market capitalization is reported at $2.69 billion, with a net income of -$184.74 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [3] Recent Developments - HighVista Strategies LLC initiated a new stake in Cidara Therapeutics, acquiring 70,904 shares valued at $6.79 million, which constitutes 1.66% of the fund's reportable U.S. equity assets as of September 30, 2025 [1][2] - Following the announcement of Cidara's acquisition by Merck, the stock price surged to a 52-week high of $221.20 on December 3, 2025, with Merck set to pay $221.50 in cash for the acquisition [6][9] Strategic Focus - Cidara Therapeutics aims to advance novel molecules and establish collaborations to accelerate commercialization and market reach [5] - Merck's interest in Cidara is primarily driven by the potential of its influenza prevention drug candidate, CD388, which is expected to be a significant growth driver for Merck in the coming decade [9]

Group 1: Palvella Therapeutics Inc. (PVLA) - Palvella is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for rare diseases with no FDA-approved treatments [2] - Its lead product, QTORIN rapamycin, targets microcystic lymphatic malformations and has a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity if approved [2] - The stock rose from $25 on March 10, 2025, to a 52-week high of $114.69 on December 22, 2025, before pulling back to $99.88 [3] Group 2: Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (CDTX) - Cidara is developing a preventive therapy for influenza and has agreed to be acquired by Merck for $221.50 per share, totaling approximately $9.2 billion [4] - The stock was trading at $18.98 when profiled on November 21, 2024 [4] Group 3: Celcuity Inc. (CELC) - Celcuity is focused on targeted therapies for oncology, with its lead drug candidate Gedatolisib aimed at breast and prostate cancers [5] - The stock increased from $12.60 on December 4, 2024, to an all-time high of $112.64 on December 12, 2025, before retreating to $99.16 [6] Group 4: Nanobiotix (NBTX) - Nanobiotix is a late-stage clinical biotechnology company developing physics-based therapies for cancer [7] - Its lead candidate, NBTXR3, is undergoing a phase III study for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, with interim data expected in the first half of 2027 [8] - The stock rose from $12.23 on September 19, 2025, to a high of $30.35 on October 13, 2025, before trading around $21 [10] Group 5: Terns Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TERN) - Terns Pharma is developing small-molecule candidates for serious diseases, with TERN-701 targeting chronic myeloid leukemia [12] - Recent data showed a 75% major molecular response rate among patients receiving higher doses [13] - The stock increased from $5.98 on August 6, 2025, to an all-time high of $48.26 on December 10, 2025, before pulling back to around $40 [14] Group 6: DBV Technologies S.A. (DBVT) - DBV Technologies is developing an epicutaneous immunotherapy for food allergies, with its lead product, the VIASKIN Peanut patch, showing positive results in a phase 3 study [15] - The company aims to submit a Biologics License Application in the first half of 2026, with potential sales of $1.5 billion by 2030 if approved [15] - The stock rose from $10.64 on October 2, 2025, to a high of $26.18 on December 17, 2025, before trading around $19 [16] Group 7: Nutex Health Inc. (NUTX) - Nutex Health reported a significant turnaround from a $424 million net loss in 2022 to a $59 million net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 [17] - Revenue increased from $219 million in 2022 to $723.6 million in the first nine months of 2025 [17] - The stock rose from $33.56 on November 25, 2024, to a 52-week high of $193.07 before closing at $182.23 [18] Group 8: Inhibrx Biosciences Inc. (INBX) - Inhibrx is developing biologic therapies for cancer, with Ozekibart showing significant improvement in progression-free survival in chondrosarcoma [19] - The company plans to submit a biologics license application for Ozekibart in the second quarter of 2026 [20] - The stock rose from $18.35 on July 8, 2025, to an all-time high of $94.57 on December 22, 2025, before trading around $77 [21] Group 9: GRAIL Inc. (GRAL) - GRAIL focuses on early cancer detection with its Galleri test, which is not yet FDA-approved [23] - The company expects to submit a PMA for the Galleri test in Q1 2026 [23] - The stock increased from $48.50 on September 26, 2025, to a high of $115.76 on November 25, 2025, before trading around $88 [24] Group 10: Cogent Biosciences Inc. (COGT) - Cogent is developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, with Bezuclastinib being its lead candidate [25] - The company submitted its first NDA to the FDA for Non-AdvSM, with additional submissions planned for GIST and advanced systemic mastocytosis [26] - The stock rose from $7.25 on July 2, 2025, to a 52-week high of $43.73 on December 8, 2025, before easing back to around $35 [26] Group 11: Sol-Gel Technologies Ltd. (SLGL) - Sol-Gel has two FDA-approved products for dermatological conditions and is developing investigational products [27] - A phase III trial for SGT-610 is ongoing, with results expected in Q4 2026 [28] - The stock rose from $7.26 on May 7, 2025, to a high of $52.26 on October 6, 2025, before trading around $43 [28] Group 12: Zenas BioPharma Inc. (ZBIO) - Zenas is focused on therapies for autoimmune diseases, with Obexelimab in phase 3 trials for IgG4-RD [29] - Positive data from a phase 2 trial in multiple sclerosis showed a 95% reduction in new lesions [30] - The stock rose from $8.79 on December 17, 2024, to a high of $44.60 on December 24, 2025, before pulling back to around $35 [31]

Core Insights - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating potential violations of federal securities laws and breaches of fiduciary duties related to the sales of Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., Semrush Holdings, Inc., and Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. [1][2] Group 1: Company Transactions - Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. is being sold to Akzo Nobel N.V. for 0.6539 shares of AkzoNobel stock for each share of Axalta common stock [1] - Semrush Holdings, Inc. is being sold to Adobe for $12.00 per share [2] - Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. is being sold to Merck for $221.50 per share in cash [2] Group 2: Legal Actions and Shareholder Rights - Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other relief on behalf of shareholders [3] - Shareholders are encouraged to contact Halper Sadeh LLC to discuss their legal rights and options [4]

Core Insights - Cidara Therapeutics has completed target enrollment of 6,000 participants in its Phase 3 ANCHOR trial for CD388, a non-vaccine preventative for seasonal influenza, aimed at high-risk populations [1][2] - The trial will conduct an interim analysis in Q1 2026 to evaluate the need for additional enrollment during the Southern Hemisphere flu season [1][2] - CD388 is designed to be administered as a single 450-milligram subcutaneous dose and aims for potential BLA approval if the trial results are successful [2][4] Company Overview - Cidara Therapeutics utilizes its proprietary Cloudbreak platform to develop drug-Fc conjugate (DFC) therapeutics, with CD388 being its lead candidate for influenza prevention [4] - The company is headquartered in San Diego, California, and has received Fast Track Designation from the FDA for CD388 [4] - Positive results from the Phase 2b NAVIGATE trial were announced in June 2025, leading to the initiation of the Phase 3 ANCHOR trial in September 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Cidara Therapeutics Inc. has experienced a 717% share price surge year-to-date, making it the top stock among SMID-cap stocks in 2025 [1] - Merck & Co. announced an all-cash acquisition of Cidara at $221.5 per share, valuing the deal at $9.2 billion, which represents a 109% premium over Cidara's closing price prior to the announcement [2] - Following the acquisition announcement, several analysts downgraded Cidara's stock rating, with Guggenheim's analyst raising the price target to the offer price of $221.5 [1][5] Acquisition Details - The acquisition by Merck is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending necessary approvals [2] - A Merck subsidiary will acquire all outstanding shares of Cidara through a tender offer [2] Strategic Importance - Merck aims to enhance its infectious disease portfolio with Cidara's lead drug candidate, CD388, which is a late-stage antiviral for preventing influenza in high-risk individuals [3] - CD388 has received Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations following positive Phase 2b results and is currently in Phase 3 trials [3] - Merck's CEO emphasized that CD388 is a crucial growth driver for the company over the next decade, especially in light of anticipated revenue declines from patent expirations of its key drug, Keytruda [4] Market Reactions - Following the acquisition announcement, Cidara's stock price increased by over 105% to close near the offer price [4] - Analysts from various firms, including H.C. Wainwright, JPMorgan, and RBC Capital, have also downgraded Cidara's stock to Hold, while Morgan Stanley raised its price target to the offer price [5]

Core Insights - Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde and his firm, Monteverde & Associates PC, are investigating several mergers involving companies such as NuVista Energy Ltd., Northern Data AG, TreeHouse Foods, Inc., and Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. [1] Company Summaries - **NuVista Energy Ltd.**: Under the proposed merger with Ovintiv Inc., NuVista shareholders can choose to receive either C$18.00 in cash per share, 0.344 shares of Ovintiv common stock, or a combination of both, resulting in a fully prorated option of C$9.00 in cash plus 0.172 shares of Ovintiv [1] - **Northern Data AG**: In its sale to Rumble Inc., Northern Data shareholders will receive 2.0281 shares of Rumble common stock for each share of Northern Data [1] - **TreeHouse Foods, Inc.**: Shareholders will receive $22.50 in cash per share along with a contingent value right as part of its sale to Industrial F&B Investments III Inc. [1] - **Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.**: Shareholders will receive $221.50 per share in cash in the transaction with Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC [1]

Core Viewpoint - AtriCure (ATRC) is outperforming its peers in the Medical sector, with a year-to-date performance of 11.9% compared to the sector average of 4.8% [4]. Group 1: Company Performance - AtriCure is currently ranked 2 (Buy) in the Zacks Rank system, indicating strong potential for future performance [3]. - Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for AtriCure's full-year earnings has increased by 32.9%, reflecting improved analyst sentiment [3]. - AtriCure belongs to the Medical - Products industry, which has an average gain of 2% this year, further highlighting AtriCure's superior performance [5]. Group 2: Sector and Industry Context - The Medical group, which includes AtriCure, is ranked 3 within the Zacks Sector Rank, indicating a strong overall sector performance [2]. - Cidara Therapeutics (CDTX), another stock in the Medical sector, has seen a remarkable year-to-date increase of 714.8% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5]. - The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, to which Cidara Therapeutics belongs, has gained 15.8% this year, ranking 81 among 468 stocks [6].

Company Overview - Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative anti-infective therapies, particularly for high-mortality fungal and viral diseases [6][10] - The company's lead product candidate is rezafungin acetate, a next-generation antifungal, and it also utilizes the Cloudbreak platform for targeted antiviral conjugates [10] Recent Developments - On November 14, 2025, Bain Capital Life Sciences Investors, LLC disclosed the purchase of 520,310 shares of Cidara Therapeutics, increasing its position value by approximately $167.48 million [2][3][7] - Following this transaction, Bain Capital's stake in Cidara rose to 3,020,990 shares, valued at $289.29 million, making it the fund's 3rd-largest holding, accounting for about 19.2% of its assets under management (AUM) [3][4][7] Financial Metrics - As of November 14, 2025, Cidara Therapeutics had a market capitalization of $5.52 billion and a net income of -$184.80 million [5] - The share price on the same date was $217.71, reflecting a significant increase of 1,403.5% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 1,389.79 percentage points [4][5] Investment Position - Bain Capital Life Sciences Investors held a total of 21 reportable positions at the end of the quarter, with total 13F AUM of $1.51 billion [4] - The top holdings of the fund included NASDAQ: HTFL at $419.00 million (27.8% of AUM), NASDAQ: NAMS at $304.85 million (20.2% of AUM), and NASDAQ: CDTX at $289.29 million (19.2% of AUM) [8]