Highlights from the Q4 2007 review of medical device and in vitro diagnostics/research dealmaking: there was a boost in medical device acquisitions--with patient monitoring in particular, which accounted for about half the total of this period--capping off an impressive year in medtech M&A activity. Of note in the in vitro diagnostics/research space was glucose monitoring, which brought in 60% of the total GM segment's $160 million in financing for the entire year.

In cancer diagnostics skepticism and optimism exist side by side. This is evident from a growing dichotomy between the spurt of early research projects, fueled by new technologies and increased government spending, and the lack of investor interest. Despite a brutal financing market and past disappointments, a few start-ups determined to address the field's unmet needs are pursuing development of new markers and detection technologies and gaining momentum.

Two-year-old Ikonisys has developed a cell-based analysis system for detecting rare cells in blood. Its first application is detection of fetal cells in maternal blood, a longstanding ambition of many companies, none of which has succeeded to date. The test would detect the most common birth defects earlier in a pregnancy and more accurately than existing methods. Ikonisys also sees a big opportunity in cancer for early detection of disease and micrometastasis.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, The Science of Senescence, features profiles of Centagenetix Inc., Elixir Pharmaceuticals Inc., Hormos Medical Corp. and Rejuvenon Corp. Plus these Selected Start-Ups across Health Care: Ceros Ltd., Corgentech Inc., CryoCor Inc. and Ikonisys Inc.