What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Cidara Therapeutics has been awarded $339 million by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support the development of its influenza prophylactic, CD388. The funding will be used for onshoring manufacturing to the U.S. and conducting new clinical trials. CD388, a non-vaccine approach, showed efficacy in the phase 2b NAVIGATE trial, offering protection against all known strains of influenza with a single injection.
Why It's Important?
The BARDA award highlights the U.S. government's commitment to pandemic preparedness and the development of innovative flu prevention strategies. CD388's universal protection capability is crucial for vulnerable populations, including the immune-compromised and elderly. This funding will accelerate domestic supply options and ensure readiness for potential flu pandemics, aligning with policy shifts under President Trump.
What's Next?
Cidara plans to start a phase 3 trial, ANCHOR, involving 6,000 participants to further evaluate CD388's efficacy. The company aims to file for approval in high-risk settings if successful. The BARDA funding will also support the development of high-concentration formulations, enhancing CD388's protective capabilities.
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