RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck (NYSE: MRK), 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, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDTX) ("Cidara†). "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. Dav ...

We recently published 10 Market Stars Behind Millionaire-Making in 2025. Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:CDTX) is one of the top performers. Cidara Therapeutics climbed by 721.76 percent in 2025, primarily bolstered by its looming merger with Merck for $9.2 billion. In an announcement last November, Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:CDTX) said that it signed a definitive agreement with Merck, under which the latter’s subsidiary would acquire the former’s issued and outstanding shares at a price of $221.50 ...

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]

Core Viewpoint - The pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Merck have underperformed in 2023, facing financial challenges and upcoming patent cliffs, leading to uncertainty in their medium-term outlooks. The article compares both companies to determine which presents a better investment opportunity heading into the new year. Pfizer - Pfizer's Eliquis, a leading blood thinner, is approaching patent expiration, which could exacerbate its already slow revenue and earnings growth [3] - The company has expanded its pipeline through internal efforts, acquisitions, and licensing deals, launching new products that are expected to impact financial results positively in the future [4] - Notable pipeline candidates include MET-097i, a promising weight loss drug with fewer side effects and a long-acting dosing schedule, and PF-4404, a cancer therapy that could become a standard treatment for certain cancers [5][7] - Pfizer is also implementing cost-cutting measures and has secured a deal with the White House to be exempt from tariffs for three years, which may help improve its margins and bottom line [8] Merck - Merck's sales from its HPV vaccines, Gardasil and Gardasil 9, have declined due to lower sales in China, and its best-selling cancer drug Keytruda faces a patent cliff by 2028 [9] - The company has introduced a new subcutaneous version of Keytruda, which offers a more convenient administration method and is expected to mitigate sales losses from biosimilars [10] - Merck's pipeline includes successful products like Winrevair for pulmonary arterial hypertension and Capvaxive, a pneumonia vaccine, both of which are expected to generate significant revenue [12][13] - An acquisition that adds CD388 to its pipeline could potentially transform the influenza vaccine market, indicating strong future prospects for Merck [13] Investment Comparison - Both Pfizer and Merck are considered viable long-term investment options, but Merck is viewed as the stronger choice due to better financial results and a more developed plan to address challenges [14][16] - Merck's higher profit margins and faster dividend growth over the past decade make it more attractive for dividend-seeking investors, despite Pfizer's higher forward dividend yield [17]

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is included among the 15 Best Blue-Chip Stocks with Growing Dividends. Merck (MRK) Price Target Lifted at Morgan Stanley as Biopharma Outlook Improves Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash On December 12, Morgan Stanley lifted its price target on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to $102 from $100. The firm kept an Equal Weight rating on the stock. In its 2026 outlook for the biopharma space, the firm said many of the policy concerns that weighed on the sector this year are likely to ...

Core Viewpoint - Merck is showing signs of recovery with a 27% stock increase over the past month, driven by strategic acquisitions and new product launches [1]. Company Developments - Merck has acquired Cidara Therapeutics for approximately $9.2 billion, focusing on the development of CD388, a long-acting antiviral drug that could provide extended protection against influenza [4][5]. - The company is also launching Winrevair, which generated $360 million in sales in the third quarter, indicating a strong annual run rate of over $1 billion [8]. - Another product, Capvaxive, a pneumonia vaccine, is performing well with $244 million in sales in the third quarter, nearing the $1 billion annual run-rate mark [9]. - Merck has received approval for a subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda, which will maintain patent protection for a longer period and offers advantages in administration [10]. Market Performance - Merck's third-quarter revenue increased by 4% year over year to $17.3 billion, although concerns remain about future sales due to increasing competition for Keytruda [11]. - The company has a market capitalization of $250 billion, with a current stock price of $99.83 and a dividend yield of 3.21% [8][13]. - Merck has increased its dividend payouts by 93.8% over the past decade, positioning itself as a strong blue-chip dividend stock [13].

Merck & Co (NYSE:MRK) FY 2025 Conference December 03, 2025 01:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsChirfi Guindo - CMOEliav Barr - SVP, Head of Global Clinical Development and Chief Medical OfficerConference Call ParticipantsGeoff Meacham - AnalystMary Kate Davis - AnalystGeoff MeachamThe second day of the Citi Global Healthcare Conference. My name is Geoff Meacham. I'm the Senior Biopharma Analyst and Kate Davis. With me as well from my team here on stage. We're thrilled to have Merck in this session. We have Elia ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a greater than $5 billion commercial opportunity starting at the end of the decade and escalating into the early 2030s [10] - The influenza program is expected to provide protection to approximately 110 million people in the U.S., with 85 million being high-risk or immunocompromised individuals [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The launch of Ohtuvayre for COPD treatment has received excellent feedback, and the company sees a significant opportunity to scale this product [17][18] - Winrevair in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is meeting high expectations, with continuous positive feedback from the medical community [28][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the last influenza season, there were 1.6 million hospitalizations due to influenza in the U.S., highlighting the high unmet medical need [10] - The company is seeing strong uptake in the triple segment of the PAH population, with plans to penetrate further into the dual category [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on the commercialization of CD388, an antiviral treatment for influenza that is strain agnostic and effective across various populations [6][8] - The strategy includes leveraging existing commercial capabilities to enhance the launch and market penetration of new products like Ohtuvayre and Winrevair [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the significant unmet need in the influenza market and the potential for CD388 to address this issue effectively [5][6] - The company is optimistic about the future of its respiratory portfolio and the potential for new products to transform patient outcomes [19][20] Other Important Information - The company is preparing for the launch of an oral PCSK9 inhibitor, which is expected to improve access and adherence for patients needing cholesterol management [40][46] - The company is also exploring multiple indications for its TL1A mechanism, which has shown promise in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases [67][68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the Cidara deal and its growth opportunity - Management highlighted the high unmet medical need for influenza treatment and the strain-agnostic efficacy of CD388, which is expected to be a significant commercial opportunity [5][6] Question: Commercial approach for high-risk patients - The company plans to include both vaccinated and unvaccinated high-risk individuals in the phase 3 program, with payer research indicating a favorable price point for the treatment [12][13] Question: Feedback on Ohtuvayre and its market potential - The feedback from customers has been excellent, and the company believes it can significantly scale the product using its commercial engine [17][18] Question: Future steps for Winrevair in PAH - Management expressed confidence in the product's performance and noted that they are seeing positive feedback and uptake in the market [28][29] Question: Expectations for the oral PCSK9 program - The company anticipates that the oral PCSK9 will provide robust LDL lowering and improve access for patients, potentially changing treatment guidelines [40][46] Question: Update on Gardasil and vaccine portfolio - The company expects modest growth for Gardasil moving forward, with ongoing efforts to drive vaccination rates globally [54][55] Question: TL1A mechanism and future indications - Management is optimistic about the TL1A mechanism's potential across multiple indications, with several phase 2 studies planned [67][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a greater than $5 billion commercial opportunity starting at the end of the decade and escalating into the early 2030s, particularly with the CD388 antiviral treatment for influenza [9] - The company expects modest single-digit growth for Gardasil going forward, despite challenges in the China market, which represents less than 1% of revenue [54] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CD388 shows 76% efficacy in the chosen dose for phase 3 trials, which is better than existing flu vaccines [6] - Ohtuvayre, acquired from Verona, is expected to significantly scale up the company's respiratory portfolio, with excellent feedback from customers [17][18] - Winrevair in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is meeting high expectations, with continuous positive feedback from the medical community [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., approximately 110 million people are expected to be candidates for CD388 treatment, with about 85 million being high-risk or immunocompromised individuals [7][8] - The company is seeing encouraging uptake in the U.S. for Winrevair, particularly among patients on triple therapy for PAH [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its respiratory portfolio and leveraging its commercial engine to maximize the potential of newly acquired products like Ohtuvayre [17][20] - The strategy includes a strong emphasis on addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in underserved populations such as those with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension [22][24] - The company is also exploring combination therapies in immunology, aiming to broaden the application of its TL1A drug across multiple indications [67][69] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the commercial potential of CD388, highlighting its unique position as an antiviral that provides protection regardless of influenza strain [7][9] - The company is preparing for a challenging influenza season and aims to provide effective protection for high-risk individuals [9] - Management acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions with the FDA regarding the design of phase 3 trials for various products, emphasizing the importance of regulatory guidance [24][26] Other Important Information - The company is committed to driving growth in its vaccine portfolio, with Capvaxive and influenza vaccines expected to perform well in the market [58] - The acquisition of Prometheus is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company's capabilities in treating inflammatory diseases [67] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected market opportunity for CD388? - The company anticipates a greater than $5 billion commercial opportunity starting at the end of the decade, particularly for high-risk populations [9] Question: How is the feedback for Ohtuvayre? - Feedback has been excellent, and the company believes there is a huge opportunity to scale the product [17][18] Question: What are the expectations for Winrevair in PAH? - Winrevair is meeting high expectations, with positive feedback from the medical community and increasing uptake among patients [28][30] Question: How does the company plan to approach the FDA for phase 3 trials? - The company plans to consult with the FDA regarding trial design and aims to ensure that the studies are appropriately sized for critical endpoints [24][26] Question: What is the outlook for Gardasil? - The company expects modest single-digit growth for Gardasil, despite challenges in the China market [54]

Core Viewpoint - Merck is showing signs of recovery after facing challenges in its vaccine business and competition for its key drug, Keytruda, with recent developments boosting its prospects and share price [1][2]. Group 1: Recent Developments - Merck's acquisition of Acceleron Pharma for $11.5 billion has led to the approval of sotatercept, a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which has generated $976 million in sales in the first nine months of 2025 [3][4]. - Sotatercept has successfully completed a phase 2 study for combined post- and precapillary pulmonary hypertension (CpcPH), a rare condition with no current approved treatments, potentially adding over $1 billion to annual sales if it passes phase 3 studies [5][6][7]. Group 2: Strategic Acquisitions and New Products - Merck's acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics for approximately $9.2 billion will provide access to CD388, a potential therapy aimed at improving influenza vaccine efficacy [10][11]. - The company is also awaiting FDA approval for a combination treatment for HIV, which could further enhance its product portfolio [12]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Position - Merck's current market capitalization stands at $260 billion, with a gross margin of 75.81% and a dividend yield of 3.09% [12]. - The company has increased its dividend payouts by 84.7% over the past decade, positioning itself as a reliable blue-chip income stock [15].