Anthrax vaccine maker Emergent BioSolutions Inc. took steps to expand beyond the realm of biodefense, making plans to buy Seattle-based protein therapeutics specialist Trubion Pharmaceuticals Inc. for approximately $96.8 million up front, plus a potential $38.7 million in milestones for a total potential value of $135.5 million. (BioWorld Today)

Mercator Therapeutics Inc. raised $2 million in seed financing from eight unnamed investors, according to documents filed with the SEC, and licensed technology from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to develop cancer drugs using a first-of-its-kind technology, the company stated. (BioWorld Today)

Alectos Therapeutics Inc. will receive up to $289 million in an up-front fee and milestone payments under a collaboration with Merck & Co. to study a potential non-amyloid approach to treat Alzheimer's disease. (BioWorld Today)

Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co. said that Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., its longtime partner for pain drug Opana ER, has agreed to acquire all the common stock of Penwest for $5 per share in cash, in a deal worth approximately $168 million in total equity value. (BioWorld Today)