Cidara Therapeutics (CDTX) to be acquired by Merck (MRK) for $9.2B or $221.50 per share

Cidara Therapeutics to be acquired by Merck (MRK) for $221.50 per share in cash

• Merck (MRK) agreed to acquire Cidara Therapeutics (CDTX) for $221.50/share in cash, valuing the transaction at ~$9.2B, as part of its strategy to broaden its infectious disease pipeline.
• Deal centers on CD388, a long-acting, strain-agnostic antiviral in Phase 3 (ANCHOR) for preventing influenza in high-risk individuals; the candidate has Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations and showed strong efficacy in the Phase 2b NAVIGATE trial.
• CD388 combines a neuraminidase inhibitor with a proprietary Fc-antibody fragment, aiming to provide a durable prevention option beyond vaccines and traditional antivirals.
  
• Boards of both companies have approved the transaction; closing is expected in Q1 2026, pending a successful tender offer, HSR clearance, and customary conditions.

  

 

The company was formerly known as K2 Therapeutics, Inc. and changed its name to Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. in July 2014. 

• Sector: Healthcare
• Industry: Biotechnology
• Full Time Employees: 38
• Incorporated in 2012 
• Based in San Diego, California
• https://www.cidara.com

Scholar Rock (SRRK) reported Q3 earnings on Fri 14 Nov 25 (b/o)

Scholar Rock Holding Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company.

• Sector: Healthcare
• Industry: Biotechnology
• Full Time Employees: 128
• Founded by Timothy A. Springer and Leonard I. Zon in  2012
• Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• https://www.scholarrock.com

 

The company announced the results of its earnings performance in the third quarter of the year, where it widened its net loss by 58 percent to $102 million from $64.5 million in the same period last year, pulled down by a 60 percent higher operating loss of $103.5 million versus $64.78 million year-on-year.

Scholar Rock investor sentiment was boosted by the progress of its drug candidate for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

In an updated report, Scholar Rock Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:SRRK) said that it completed “constructive and collaborative” in-person meeting with the Food and Drug Administration last Wednesday, November 12, for its biologics license application of apitegromab.

Scholar Rock Holding Corp.  said BLA resubmission and US launch is anticipated by next year.

Additionally, it said that it targets to secure the approval of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to sell apitegromab to Europe by mid 2026.

Blood cancer

Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, refers to cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. These cancers disrupt the normal production and function of blood cells, leading to a range of health issues.

 Types of Blood Cancer

1. Leukemia:
   • Affects bone marrow and blood, causing an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
   • Types include:
     • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Common in children, fast-growing.
     • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Affects adults and children, rapid progression.
     • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Slow-growing, more common in older adults.
     • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Characterized by a specific genetic mutation (BCR-ABL gene).
   • Symptoms: Fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, and bleeding.
2. Lymphoma:
   • Originates in the lymphatic system, affecting lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
   • Types:
     • Hodgkin Lymphoma: Marked by Reed-Sternberg cells, often curable.
     • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Diverse group, varies in aggressiveness.
   • Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss.
3. Multiple Myeloma:
   • Affects plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in the bone marrow.
   • Leads to abnormal protein production, weakening bones and immune function.
   • Symptoms: Bone pain, fractures, kidney problems, frequent infections.