# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001610618
**File Stem:** 0001193125-25-283022
**Filing Date:** 2025-11
**Character Count:** 39896
**Document Hash:** cf46bfc66b7f058dfaf38dd99f6632bb
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-25-283022.hdr.sgml**: 20251114

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-25-283022

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: SC14D9C

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 5

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20251114

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20251114

**SUBJECT COMPANY**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001610618
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS (NO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES) [2836]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 03 Life Sciences
- **EIN:** 461537286
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** SC14D9C
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 005-88806
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251486645

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 6310 NANCY RIDGE DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 101
- **CITY:** SAN DIEGO
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92121
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 858-752-6170

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 6310 NANCY RIDGE DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 101
- **CITY:** SAN DIEGO
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92121

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** K2 THERAPEUTICS, INC.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20140611
**FILED BY**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001610618
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS (NO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES) [2836]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 03 Life Sciences
- **EIN:** 461537286
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** SC14D9C

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 6310 NANCY RIDGE DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 101
- **CITY:** SAN DIEGO
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92121
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 858-752-6170

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 6310 NANCY RIDGE DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 101
- **CITY:** SAN DIEGO
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92121

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** K2 THERAPEUTICS, INC.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20140611

**UNITED STATES** 

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** 

**Washington, D.C. 20549** 

**SCHEDULE 14D-9** 

**Solicitation/Recommendation Statement** 

**Under Section 14(d)(4) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934** 

## Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.
**(Name of Subject Company)** 

**(Name of Person Filing Statement)** 

**Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share** 

**(title of Class of Securities)** 

**171757206** 

**(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)** 

**Jeffrey Stein, Ph.D.** 

**President and Chief Executive Officer** 

**Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.** 

**6310 Nancy Ridge Drive, Suite 101** 

**San Diego, CA 92121** 

**(858) 752-6170** 

**(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications** 

**on Behalf of the Person Filing Statement)** 

***With copies to:***

**Barbara Borden** 

**Rama Padmanabhan** 

**Charles J. Bair** 

**Cooley LLP** 

**10265 Science Center Drive** 

**San Diego, CA 92121** 

**(858) 550-6000** 

☒ Check the box if the filing relates solely to preliminary communications made before the commencement of a
tender offer.

------

This Schedule 14D-9 filing consists of certain communications relating to the proposed acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "***Company***" or "***Cidara***"), by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company ("***Parent***"), pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 13, 2025 (the "***Merger Agreement***"), by and among the Company, Parent, and Caymus Purchaser, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("***Purchaser***"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, Parent will cause Purchaser to commence a tender offer (the "***Tender Offer***"), to acquire (i) all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the "***Common Shares***"), at an offer price of (i) $221.50 per Share in cash, and (ii) all of the outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Voting Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the "***Series A Shares***" and together with the Common Shares, the "***Shares***"), at an offer price of $15,505.00 per Series A Share, in each case, to the seller in cash, without interest and subject to any applicable withholding taxes. If successful, the Tender Offer will be followed by a merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company (the "***Merger***") pursuant to Section 251(h) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger.

This Schedule 14D-9 filing consists of the following documents relating to the proposed Tender Offer and the Merger:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Employee Letter, first used on November 14, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Investigator Site Letter, first used on November 14, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Partner / Key Vendor Letter, first used on November 14, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) LinkedIn Post on November 14, 2025.

The information set forth under Items 1.01 and 9.01 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on November 14, 2025 (including all exhibits attached thereto and incorporated therein by reference) is incorporated herein by reference.

**Additional Information and Where to Find It** 

The tender offer described in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for information purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Cidara. The solicitation and the offer to buy securities of Cidara will only be made pursuant to tender offer materials that Merck and its wholly owned acquisition subsidiary Caymus Purchaser, Inc. will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The solicitation of the offer to buy shares of Cidara's Common Stock and shares of Cidara's Series A Preferred Stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related material that Merck intends to file with the SEC. Cidara will also file with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials with respect to the tender offer and the merger free of charge at the website of the SEC at <u>www.sec.gov</u> or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors may also obtain, at no charge, the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Cidara under the "Investors" section of Cidara's website at <u>www.cidara.com</u>.

**Investors are strongly advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares into the tender offer because they contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.** 

------

**Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements** 

Certain statements either contained in or incorporated by reference into this document, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the sale of Cidara and any statements relating to Cidara's business and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include those relating to the ability to complete and the timing of completion of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 2025 by and among Cidara, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, and Caymus Purchaser, Inc. (the "Merger Agreement") including the parties' ability to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the tender offer and the other conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including the time and benefits thereof, and the possibility of any termination of the Merger Agreement, other statements that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements because of risks associated with uncertainties which include, without limitation, risks related to the timing of the tender offer and the subsequent merger; whether sufficient stockholders of Cidara will tender their shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock in the tender offer; the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the possibility that various conditions to the consummation of the offer or the merger may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the tender offer or the merger; risks associated with acquisitions, such as the risk that the effects of disruption from the transactions of Cidara's business and the fact that the announcement and pendency of the transactions may make it more difficult to establish or maintain relationships with employees and business partners; as well as other risks related to Cidara's businesses detailed in Cidara's public filings with the SEC from time to time, including most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. Cidara expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise publicly these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

------

**Exhibit Index** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** |
| 99.1 | [Employee Letter, first used on November 14, 2025.](d18740dex991.htm) |
| 99.2 | [Investigator Site Letter, first used on November 14, 2025.](d18740dex992.htm) |
| 99.3 | [Partner and Key Vendor Letter, first used on November 14, 2025.](d18740dex993.htm) |
| 99.4 | [LinkedIn Post on November 14, 2025.](d18740dex994.htm) |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1** 

**Employee Letter** 

**To:** All Cidara Employees

**From:** Jeff Stein, President & Chief Executive Officer

**Subject:** Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics in $9.2 Billion All-Cash Transaction

All,

I am excited to share transformational news for Cidara. This morning, we announced that we have entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Merck, through a subsidiary, for $221.50 per share. A press release announcing this news was issued just moments ago — you can access the link here: <u>Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., Diversifying Its Portfolio to Include Late-Phase Antiviral Agent</u>.

This is an incredible milestone for all of us and a testament to how far we have come together. I am confident that this transaction represents the best possible path forward for our science, our people, and our investors. Importantly, your collective efforts in the creation and development of CD388 have enabled the long-sought goal of a universal preventative of influenza.

This all-cash transaction values Cidara at approximately $9.2 billion, which represents a premium of 109% to yesterday's closing share price and 794% to our share price at the beginning of the year. This reflects the broad recognition of the enormous value you have helped create. I feel privileged and humbled to have had the opportunity to work alongside all of you to advance CD388 and Cidara to where we are today.

As you are likely aware, Merck is a research-driven global biopharmaceutical company with an extensive portfolio across medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. By combining our groundbreaking science with Merck's global development, regulatory, and commercial capabilities, we will be far better positioned to unlock the full potential of CD388 as a universal, non-vaccine, long-acting option for flu prevention for millions of people globally.

Until the transaction closes, which we expect in the first quarter of 2026, Cidara and Merck will continue to operate as separate companies, and our priorities remain unchanged. We are marching full steam ahead on our Phase 3 ANCHOR study, which is now almost fully enrolled, and it is essential that we maintain our focus and momentum.

This announcement represents day one in the process for Cidara to join Merck. We know you will have questions, and while we do not yet have every answer, we are committed to open and transparent communication as we progress toward the closing of the transaction. As a first step, we will host an all-hands meeting today at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET to discuss what this announcement means for the Company and you. Please make every effort to join.

Finally, we do expect this news to generate increased interest in Cidara from external parties. As a reminder, all communications with analysts, investors, stockholders, media, and other members of the public about the Company are to be made by designated spokespeople only. Per our policy, if you receive any inquiries, please do not respond and instead forward the inquiry to Frank Karbe or me.

I want to reiterate that this announcement is a validation of your talent and the contributions of each of you. I couldn't be prouder of the company we have built, the clinical progress we have made, and the lifesaving influenza preventative we are working to bring to patients. I hope you join us in celebrating today's achievement.

Thank you,

------

Jeff

**Additional Information about the Tender Offer Transactions and Where to Find It** 

The tender offer described in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for information purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Cidara. The solicitation and the offer to buy securities of Cidara will only be made pursuant to tender offer materials that Merck and its wholly owned acquisition subsidiary Caymus Purchaser, Inc. will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The solicitation of the offer to buy shares of Cidara's Common Stock and shares of Cidara's Series A Preferred Stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related material that Merck intends to file with the SEC. Cidara will also file with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials with respect to the tender offer and the merger free of charge at the website of the SEC at <u>www.sec.gov</u> or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors may also obtain, at no charge, the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Cidara under the "Investors" section of Cidara's website at <u>www.cidara.com</u>.

**Investors are strongly advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares into the tender offer because they contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.** 

**Forward-Looking Statements** 

Certain statements either contained in or incorporated by reference into this document, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the sale of Cidara and any statements relating to Cidara's business and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include those relating to the ability to complete and the timing of completion of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 2025 by and among Cidara, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, and Caymus Purchaser, Inc. (the "Merger Agreement") including the parties' ability to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the tender offer and the other conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including the time and benefits thereof, and the possibility of any termination of the Merger Agreement, other statements that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements because of risks associated with uncertainties which include, without limitation, risks related to the timing of the tender offer and the subsequent merger; whether sufficient stockholders of Cidara will tender their shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock in the tender offer; the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the possibility that various conditions to the consummation of the offer or the merger may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the tender offer or the merger; risks associated with acquisitions, such as the risk that the effects of disruption from the transactions of Cidara's business and the fact that the announcement and pendency of the transactions may make it more difficult to establish or maintain relationships with employees and business partners; as well as other risks related to Cidara's businesses detailed in Cidara's public filings with the SEC from time to time, including most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. Cidara expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise publicly these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

## Exhibit 99.2

**Exhibit 99.2** 

**Investigator Site Letter** 

**To:** All Cidara Investigator Sites

**From:** Corrina Pavetto, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development

**Subject:** Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics

Today, Cidara, the Sponsor of the Phase 3 ANCHOR trial, announced that we have entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Merck. A press release announcing the news is available here <u>Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., Diversifying Its Portfolio to Include Late-Phase Antiviral Agent</u>.

We are grateful to you and your study site staff for your enthusiasm, commitment, and participation in the Phase 3 ANCHOR trial. Importantly, this will not impact the conduct or continuation of the ANCHOR trial. **Your primary point of contact will continue to be the Parexel study management team.** Our relationship with you remains unchanged for the time being, and we are as focused as ever on the success of the ANCHOR trial and advancing all other aspects of CD388's development.

Until the transaction closes, which we expect in the first quarter of 2026, we will continue to operate as a separate, standalone business, and our operations will continue in the ordinary course of business. We will provide updates on the transition of the study Sponsor as they become available. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this news and would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are incredibly grateful to you for being a part of Cidara's and CD388's journey.

Sincerely,

Corrina Pavetto

Senior Vice President, Clinical Development

**Additional Information about the Tender Offer Transactions and Where to Find It** 

The tender offer described in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for information purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Cidara. The solicitation and the offer to buy securities of Cidara will only be made pursuant to tender offer materials that Merck and its wholly owned acquisition subsidiary Caymus Purchaser, Inc. will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The solicitation of the offer to buy shares of Cidara's Common Stock and shares of Cidara's Series A Preferred Stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related material that Merck intends to file with the SEC. Cidara will also file with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials with respect to the tender offer and the merger free of charge at the website of the SEC at <u>www.sec.gov</u> or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors may also obtain, at no charge, the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Cidara under the "Investors" section of Cidara's website at <u>www.cidara.com</u>.

**Investors are strongly advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares into the tender offer because they contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.** 

------

**Forward-Looking Statements** 

Certain statements either contained in or incorporated by reference into this document, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the sale of Cidara and any statements relating to Cidara's business and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include those relating to the ability to complete and the timing of completion of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 2025 by and among Cidara, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, and Caymus Purchaser, Inc. (the "Merger Agreement") including the parties' ability to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the tender offer and the other conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including the time and benefits thereof, and the possibility of any termination of the Merger Agreement, other statements that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements because of risks associated with uncertainties which include, without limitation, risks related to the timing of the tender offer and the subsequent merger; whether sufficient stockholders of Cidara will tender their shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock in the tender offer; the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the possibility that various conditions to the consummation of the offer or the merger may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the tender offer or the merger; risks associated with acquisitions, such as the risk that the effects of disruption from the transactions of Cidara's business and the fact that the announcement and pendency of the transactions may make it more difficult to establish or maintain relationships with employees and business partners; as well as other risks related to Cidara's businesses detailed in Cidara's public filings with the SEC from time to time, including most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. Cidara expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise publicly these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

## Exhibit 99.3

**Exhibit 99.3** 

**Partner / Key Vendor Letter** 

**To:** Partners / Key Vendors

**From:** 

**Subject:** Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics

Today, we announced that we have entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Merck. A press release announcing the news is available here: <u>Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., Diversifying Its Portfolio to Include Late-Phase Antiviral Agent</u>.

As you are likely aware, Merck is a research-driven global biopharmaceutical company with an extensive portfolio across medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. By partnering with Merck, we will benefit from its global development, regulatory, and commercial capabilities. With Merck, Cidara will be ideally positioned to deliver CD388 to the many millions of patients around the world who most need influenza prevention in an innovative and effective way.

For the time being, the transaction is expected to have no impact on our relationship with you or our ongoing CD388 development program, including previously disclosed timelines. We remain as focused as ever on the success of our CD388 development program.

Until the transaction closes, which we expect in the first quarter of 2026, we will continue to operate as a separate, standalone business, and our operations will continue unaffected by the proposed acquisition by Merck. As we progress toward the transaction close, we are committed to providing updates when we have additional information to share. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this news and would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to reach out to your normal Cidara point of contact directly.

We are incredibly grateful to you for being a part of Cidara's journey.

Sincerely,

**Additional Information about the Tender Offer Transactions and Where to Find It** 

The tender offer described in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for information purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Cidara. The solicitation and the offer to buy securities of Cidara will only be made pursuant to tender offer materials that Merck and its wholly owned acquisition subsidiary Caymus Purchaser, Inc. will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The solicitation of the offer to buy shares of Cidara's Common Stock and shares of Cidara's Series A Preferred Stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related material that Merck intends to file with the SEC. Cidara will also file with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials with respect to the tender offer and the merger free of charge at the website of the SEC at <u>www.sec.gov</u> or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors may also obtain, at no charge, the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Cidara under the "Investors" section of Cidara's website at <u>www.cidara.com</u>.

**Investors are strongly advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares into the tender offer because they contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.** 

------

**Forward-Looking Statements** 

Certain statements either contained in or incorporated by reference into this document, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the sale of Cidara and any statements relating to Cidara's business and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include those relating to the ability to complete and the timing of completion of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 2025 by and among Cidara, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, and Caymus Purchaser, Inc. (the "Merger Agreement") including the parties' ability to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the tender offer and the other conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including the time and benefits thereof, and the possibility of any termination of the Merger Agreement, other statements that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements because of risks associated with uncertainties which include, without limitation, risks related to the timing of the tender offer and the subsequent merger; whether sufficient stockholders of Cidara will tender their shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock in the tender offer; the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the possibility that various conditions to the consummation of the offer or the merger may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the tender offer or the merger; risks associated with acquisitions, such as the risk that the effects of disruption from the transactions of Cidara's business and the fact that the announcement and pendency of the transactions may make it more difficult to establish or maintain relationships with employees and business partners; as well as other risks related to Cidara's businesses detailed in Cidara's public filings with the SEC from time to time, including most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. Cidara expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise publicly these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

## Exhibit 99.4

**Exhibit 99.4** 

**LinkedIn Post** 

We are excited to announce that we have agreed to be acquired by @Merck. This transaction represents an inflection point for Cidara and our efforts to revolutionize influenza prevention through our leading drug-Fc conjugate candidate, CD388.

By combining our groundbreaking science with Merck's global development, regulatory, and commercial capabilities, we will be far better positioned to unlock the full potential of CD388 as a universal, non-vaccine, long-acting option for flu prevention for millions of people globally.

You can read the full details of the transaction in our press release here: <u>Merck to Acquire Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., Diversifying Its Portfolio to Include Late-Phase Antiviral Agent</u>.

**Additional Information about the Tender Offer Transactions and Where to Find It** 

The tender offer described in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for information purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Cidara. The solicitation and the offer to buy securities of Cidara will only be made pursuant to tender offer materials that Merck and its wholly owned acquisition subsidiary Caymus Purchaser, Inc. will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The solicitation of the offer to buy shares of Cidara's Common Stock and shares of Cidara's Series A Preferred Stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related material that Merck intends to file with the SEC. Cidara will also file with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials with respect to the tender offer and the merger free of charge at the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors may also obtain, at no charge, the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Cidara under the "Investors" section of Cidara's website at www.cidara.com.

**Investors are strongly advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement of Cidara on Schedule 14D-9 and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares into the tender offer because they contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.** 

**Forward-Looking Statements** 

Certain statements either contained in or incorporated by reference into this document, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the sale of Cidara and any statements relating to Cidara's business and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include those relating to the ability to complete and the timing of completion of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 2025 by and among Cidara, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, and Caymus Purchaser, Inc. (the "Merger Agreement") including the parties' ability to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the tender offer and the other conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including the time and benefits thereof, and the possibility of any termination of the Merger Agreement, other statements that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements because of risks associated with uncertainties which include, without limitation, risks related to the timing of the tender offer and the subsequent merger; whether sufficient stockholders of Cidara will tender their shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock in the tender offer; the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the possibility that various conditions to the consummation of the offer or the merger may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the tender offer or the merger; risks associated with acquisitions, such as the risk that the effects of disruption from the transactions of Cidara's business and the fact that the announcement and pendency of the transactions may make it more difficult to establish or maintain relationships with employees and business partners; as well as other risks related to Cidara's businesses

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detailed in Cidara's public filings with the SEC from time to time, including most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. Cidara expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise publicly these forward-looking statements except as required by law.