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 Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, to improve the safety and efficacy of antibody-drug conjugates. Merck acquired Abceutics for a potential consideration of up to $208 million, including contingent milestone payments based upon the progress of candidates under the agreement.