Core Points - Cidara Therapeutics (CDTX.US) shares surged over 105% to a new eight-year high of $217.8 following the announcement of a definitive agreement for acquisition by Merck (MRK.US) at $221.50 per share in cash [1] - The total value of the transaction is approximately $9.2 billion, and it has been approved by the boards of both companies [1] - The acquisition is subject to the approval of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (HSR) and other customary closing conditions, with an expected completion in the first quarter of 2026 [1] - Merck's research laboratories president, Dr. D. Lee, stated that this acquisition expands and enhances their respiratory product portfolio and R&D pipeline [1]

Core Insights - Merck has agreed to acquire Cidara Therapeutics for $9.2 billion, significantly boosting Cidara's stock value by approximately 110% to $221.50 per share [1][2] - Cidara's CD388 flu prevention program is viewed as a promising opportunity, with an estimated market potential of $3.8 billion, especially following the announcement of a registrational phase III program [2] Company Developments - Cidara Therapeutics' stock surged nearly 105% to $217.05 in morning trades following the acquisition announcement [2] - Merck's stock experienced a slight decline, falling to $92.83 [2] Market Context - The acquisition reflects a strategic move by Merck to enhance its portfolio in the biotech sector, particularly in antiviral treatments [1][2]

周五，Cidara Therapeutics(CDTX.US)开盘飙升超105%，创八年新高，报217.8美元。消息面上，默沙东 (MRK.US)宣布已达成最终协议，将通过其子公司以每股221.50美元的现金收购Cidara Therapeutics，交 易总价值约为92亿美元，后者是一家首创长效流感抗体的制药商。该交易已获得双方董事会批准，但仍 需获得《哈特-斯科特-罗迪诺反垄断改进法案》(HSR)的批准以及其他惯例成交条件。该交易预计将于 2026年第一季度完成。默沙东研究实验室总裁李迪安博士表示，此次收购扩大并完善了我们的呼吸系统 产品组合和研发管线。 ...

Market Overview - US stock indices opened significantly lower, with the Dow Jones down 0.78%, Nasdaq down 1.42%, and S&P 500 down 1.07% as concerns over persistent inflation led to a drop in the probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December falling below 50% for the first time [1] Company News - **Applied Materials**: Despite reporting Q4 earnings and Q1 guidance that exceeded expectations, the company's stock fell over 7% due to concerns that US export restrictions could lead to a $600 million revenue decrease by 2026 from its business in China [1][2] - **Google**: The company announced plans to appeal the European Commission's antitrust ruling, which included a €2.95 billion ($3.4 billion) fine. Google rejected the Commission's request to split parts of its business, stemming from a four-year investigation into its advertising practices [1][3] - **Cidara Therapeutics**: The company saw its stock surge over 105% in pre-market trading after Merck announced a cash acquisition offer of $221.50 per share, valuing the deal at approximately $9.2 billion [1][4]

About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

Core Viewpoint - The law firm Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the fairness of the sale of Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. to Merck for $221.50 per share in cash, focusing on the interests of Cidara shareholders [1]. Group 1 - Halper Sadeh LLC is an investor rights law firm conducting an investigation regarding the sale of Cidara Therapeutics [1]. - The sale price of $221.50 per share in cash is under scrutiny to determine its fairness to Cidara shareholders [1]. - Cidara shareholders are encouraged to explore their legal rights and options related to the sale [1].

Group 1 - Merck (MRK.US) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Cidara Therapeutics (CDTX.US) for $221.50 per share in cash, totaling approximately $9.2 billion [1] - Cidara's stock surged over 100% in pre-market trading, reaching $216.13, reflecting strong market reaction to the acquisition news [1] - Cidara's lead candidate, CD388, is an investigational long-acting antiviral drug currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, aimed at preventing influenza infections in high-risk populations [1] Group 2 - The acquisition is expected to enhance Merck's respiratory product portfolio and research pipeline, according to Dr. D. Lee, President of Merck Research Laboratories [1] - The transaction has been approved by the boards of both companies but is subject to HSR approval and other customary closing conditions [1] - The deal is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026 [2]

Core Insights - Merck & Co. has announced a $9.2 billion acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, enhancing its respiratory portfolio [1] Company Summary - The acquisition is part of Merck's strategy to strengthen its position in the biotechnology sector, particularly in respiratory treatments [1] - Cidara Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing innovative therapies, which aligns with Merck's growth objectives [1] Industry Summary - This deal reflects a broader trend in the biotechnology industry where larger pharmaceutical companies are acquiring smaller firms to expand their product offerings and pipeline [1] - The respiratory market is increasingly competitive, and such acquisitions are crucial for companies like Merck to maintain a leading edge [1]

Core Insights - Premarket trading is showing notable activity with significant price movements indicating potential opportunities for traders before the market opens [1] Premarket Gainers - Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. (CDTX) is up 91% at $203.18 - Binah Capital Group, Inc. (BCG) is up 45% at $2.07 - Invivyd, Inc. (IVVD) is up 42% at $2.52 - Omeros Corporation (OMER) is up 15% at $7.25 - The Oncology Institute, Inc. (TOI) is up 12% at $3.47 - AlphaVest Acquisition Corp (ATMV) is up 11% at $7.99 - ARB IOT Group Limited (ARBB) is up 7% at $7.31 - Hyperion DeFi, Inc. (HYPD) is up 6% at $5.27 - TruGolf Holdings, Inc. (TRUG) is up 6% at $2.02 - Boqii Holding Limited (BQ) is up 5% at $2.24 [3] Premarket Losers - TSS, Inc. (TSSI) is down 40% at $9.12 - StubHub Holdings, Inc. (STUB) is down 20% at $15.02 - ESS Tech, Inc. (GWH) is down 20% at $3.38 - Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (RCAT) is down 17% at $6.38 - WhiteFiber, Inc. (WYFI) is down 15% at $16.81 - New Era Energy & Digital, Inc. (NUAI) is down 13% at $3.66 - NET Power Inc. (NPWR) is down 11% at $2.62 - Korro Bio, Inc. (KRRO) is down 9% at $5.90 - Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (AVXL) is down 8% at $5.20 - Interactive Strength Inc. (TRNR) is down 5% at $2.47 [4]

Core Insights - Merck is set to acquire Cidara Therapeutics in a deal valued at nearly $9.2 billion, which will provide Merck with access to an experimental drug aimed at flu prevention [1] Company Summary - The acquisition will enhance Merck's portfolio in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the area of infectious diseases [1] - Cidara Therapeutics is known for its innovative approaches to drug development, which aligns with Merck's strategic focus on expanding its therapeutic offerings [1] Industry Implications - This acquisition reflects a growing trend in the pharmaceutical industry towards consolidation, as companies seek to bolster their pipelines with promising experimental drugs [1] - The deal underscores the importance of flu prevention in public health and the potential market opportunities for effective vaccines and treatments [1]