Cidara Therapeutics Restructures to Focus on CD388 Clinical Development

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 12, 2024 - Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDTX), a biotechnology company, is pivoting its focus towards the clinical advancement of CD388, a novel drug-Fc conjugate (DFC) candidate aimed at treating influenza A and B. As part of this strategic shift, Cidara has announced a workforce reduction impacting approximately 30% of its employees.

This decision is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and significantly cut down capital requirements. The company aims to prioritize the development of CD388, which is set to undergo a Phase 2b trial. The goal is to establish CD388 as a single-dose, universal preventative treatment for both seasonal and pandemic strains of influenza A and B. In parallel, Cidara is engaged in discussions regarding the future of its oncology DFC programs, including CBO421, a CD73 inhibitor that recently received clearance to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Jeffrey Stein, Ph.D., President and CEO of Cidara, acknowledged the difficulty of the workforce reduction but emphasized its necessity for the company's long-term objectives. He expressed gratitude to the departing team members, acknowledging their contributions and dedication to Cidara’s mission.

Cidara Therapeutics specializes in developing innovative drug-Fc conjugates (DFCs) through its proprietary Cloudbreak® platform. These DFCs combine targeted small molecules or peptides with a proprietary human antibody fragment (Fc). The company's flagship DFC candidate, CD388, is designed as a long-acting antiviral treatment to provide universal prevention against influenza with just a single dose, by directly inhibiting the virus's ability to proliferate. In June 2023, CD388 received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the company plans to advance it into a Phase 2b trial during the 2024 Northern Hemisphere flu season.

In addition to its antiviral efforts, Cidara is developing oncology-focused DFCs. In July 2024, the company received Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance for CBO421, which aims to target CD73 in solid tumors. Cidara is headquartered in San Diego, California.

The strategic realignment and workforce reduction are intended to position Cidara for sustainable growth and success, enabling the company to concentrate resources on its most promising therapeutic candidates. By prioritizing the clinical development of CD388, Cidara hopes to make significant advancements in the prevention and treatment of serious diseases, particularly influenza, while also continuing to explore opportunities in oncology.