Melinta Expands Antibiotics Lineup With $39M Tetraphase Acquisition

Melinta Therapeutics and Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, two antibiotics companies that have struggled separately, will now see if they have better luck together.

Morristown, NJ-based Melinta has reached a deal to acquire Tetraphase (NASDAQ: TTPH) for $39 million in cash up front. Tetraphase shareholders could earn up to $16 million more if the Watertown, MA-based biotech’s sole commercialized product hits sales targets.