MRK to Buy Cidara for $9.2B: Focus on Buyout Spree Heading Into 2026

Key Takeaways MRK offers to acquire Cidara for $9.2B, which will add phase III influenza candidate CD388 to its portfolio.The acquisition will expand MRK's respiratory offerings and support its long-term growth outlook.CD388 offers broad seasonal and pandemic flu protection with a single injection and novel mechanism.Merck (MRK) has made substantial investments in strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals over the past few years to build a more durable long-term portfolio and reinforce its growth prosp ...