Cidara Therapeutics Announces BARDA Award to Support Expanded Manufacturing and Clinical Development of CD388, its Non-Vaccine Influenza Preventative Therapeutic

Core Insights - Cidara Therapeutics has received a funding award of up to $339 million from BARDA to support the development of its investigational drug CD388 for influenza prevention [1][2][3] Funding Details - The agreement includes a Base contract of $58 million over 24 months for onshoring CD388 manufacturing to the U.S. and conducting clinical trials [2] - Option periods funding could provide an additional $281 million for further clinical and non-clinical studies of CD388, contingent on requests from Cidara and government approval [2] Product Overview - CD388 is a drug-Fc conjugate designed to provide long-acting protection against all known strains of seasonal and pandemic influenza [4][5] - It is not a vaccine and is expected to be effective regardless of the immune status of individuals, making it suitable for vulnerable populations [4][5] Clinical Development - CD388 has shown potential as a non-vaccine preventative for both pandemic and seasonal influenza, with positive results from the Phase 2b NAVIGATE trial reported in June 2025 [3][5] - The drug has received Fast Track Designation from the FDA, indicating its potential to address unmet medical needs [5]