Abceutics, Inc., a startup preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that was spun out of the laboratory of University at Buffalo researcher Joseph P. Balthasar, PhD, has been acquired by MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA) to improve the safety and efficacy of antibody-drug conjugates. MSD acquired Abceutics for a potential consideration of up to $208 million, including contingent milestone payments based upon the progress of candidates under the agreement.