Merck buying Cubist Pharmaceuticals for $8.4B

Merck is buying Cubist Pharmaceuticals for $8.4 billion, illustrating a new emphasis on combating so-called "superbugs" that are drawing dire warnings from global health organizations.

The Associated Press reports the transaction includes $1.1 billion in debt.

The World Health organization warned in April that without a coordinated effort, "the world is headed for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries which have been treatable for decades can once again kill."

Read more from The Associated Press.