The dealmaking column is a survey of recent transactions, including strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions, and financings, in the life sciences industries. Deals are listed by the following industry sectors: in vitro diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents. All transactions are excerpted from Elsevier's Strategic Transactions

RXi Pharmaceuticals, a US biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialisation of therapeutics based on RNAi, has appointed Dr Richard Chin, chief executive officer of the Institute for OneWorld Health, to its board of directors.

The Institute for OneWorld Health, a US non-profit pharmaceutical company developing drugs for neglected infectious diseases in the developing world, has appointed Dr Menghis Bairu to its board of directors. He is executive vice-president, head of global development and chief medical officer for Elan.