In this week’s edition of InnovationRx, we look at the biotech deal frenzy, Recursion’s incoming CEO, the infant formula botulism outbreak, and more. To get it in your inbox, subscribe here . getty

M erck announced last week that it would acquire biotech Cidara Therapeutics for about $9.2 billion . The primary reason: Cidara’s antiviral drug to prevent flu infections among patients with a high risk of complications, currently in late-stage clinical trials. The deal is Merck’s second multi-billion dollar acquisition following its $10 billion agreement to buy Verona Pharma for its respiratory drugs in July.

The Merck deals are just the latest sign of this year’s biotech deal frenzy. This month alone has seen Pfizer’s $10 billion acquisition of Metsera after a bidding war for it

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