Nov. 14, 2025 at 12:15 PM ET5 min read

Cidara Therapeutics Nears Acquisition Deal with Merck

Tim BohenAvatar
Written by Tim Bohen
Reviewed by Ben Sturgill Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs

Cidara Therapeutics Inc. stocks have been trading up by 105.49 percent following positive FDA designations and promising clinical trial results.

Key Takeaways

  • A significant acquisition deal between Cidara Therapeutics and Merck is nearing completion. This signals a strong buyout interest from Merck, one of the major players in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Cidara’s presentation of promising Phase 2b data on its CD388 candidate for influenza prevention underscores the company’s potential, demonstrating notable results against flu strains A and B.

  • Morgan Stanley’s initiation of coverage on Cidara with an Overweight rating and a $190 target price hints at strong future prospects for CD388 as a flu preventive treatment.

Candlestick Chart

Live Update At 12:13:16 EST: On Friday, November 14, 2025 Cidara Therapeutics Inc. stock [NASDAQ: CDTX] is trending up by 105.49%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below.

Quick Financial Overview

Let’s take a quick look at the recent financial metrics and reports of Cidara Therapeutics. The company experienced a significant third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) loss of $3.10, which was below consensus estimates of $1.33. Even with this loss, the company showcases potential with strong cash reserves and promising progress in its Phase 3 ANCHOR study for CD388.

More Breaking News

By analyzing the income statement, it becomes evident that Cidara’s operating income and net income are both in negative territory, reflecting ongoing high operational and developmental costs. Key ratios exhibit challenges in short-term profitability; however, they reflect a solid position in liquidity with a current ratio of 4.6. Notably, the absence of long-term debt offers some financial flexibility moving forward, given the company’s planned strategic actions and potential acquisition involvement.

Positive Momentum for Cidara’s CD388

Cidara Therapeutics is undeniably capturing attention due to its burgeoning CD388 candidate, a non-vaccine option focusing on influenza prevention. Positive Phase 2b data presented at the ESWI conference revealed high efficacy against multiple influenza strains, adding layers of promise for this therapeutic approach. Such results don’t go unnoticed; the potential of CD388 has attracted strategic interests from larger pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, marking a critical milestone for Cidara.

This acquisition aligned with Cidara’s goals could serve as a huge leap. It illustrates confidence that larger entities place on Cidara’s research capacity and the market-ready potential of its treatment. It’s a validation, perhaps echoed in the amplifying analyst assessments like Morgan Stanley’s recent positive coverage and ambitious $190 target stock price.

News Impacts and Market Shifts

The market is keenly observing the narrative unfolding around Cidara. With a potential acquisition by Merck on the horizon, investors see viable opportunities despite recent financial hits. The positive highlights from Cidara’s clinical results and external validations from prestigious financial analysis firms bolster this sentiment. This synthesis of strategy, market confidence, and product development bodes well not just for current stakeholders but also for future growth and competitive positioning in the flu prevention landscape.

Conclusion

Cidara Therapeutics stands at a pivotal point, balancing on promising clinical triumphs, financial resilience, and a potentially transformative acquisition. Although financial losses indicate hurdles, the strategic shifts and clinical validation suggest a promising trajectory. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “A good trade setup checks all the boxes—volume, trend, catalyst. Don’t trade if you’re missing pieces of the puzzle.” This quote underscores the importance of aligning scientific progress, market trends, and strategic partnerships to trade effectively in the market. The stock’s future movement underscores how its development narrative tightly weaves through trader confidence and market conditions. For Cidara, the merging of scientific progress, market approval, and strategic partnerships may become the foundation forming its promising future within the biotech landscape.

This is stock news, not investment advice. StocksToTrade News delivers real-time stock market updates tailored to highlight the key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our coverage is designed for active traders and investors who thrive in fast-moving markets, with a focus on volatile sectors like penny stocks, AI stocks, Robinhood stocks and other momentum plays. From earnings reports and FDA approvals to mergers, new contracts, and unusual trading volume, we break down the events that can spark significant price action.

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