During Q4, device company fundraising totaled $4.2bn; while in vitro diagnostic firms and research tools players raised $6.1bn.

The US market for infection control and biosafety products will see strong growth ahead as hospitals continue the battle against health care-associated infections with innovative products and services designed to prevent needlesticks, nosocomial infections, and the spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms.

In a deal worth $139 million, UCB and Sanofi are pursuing anti-inflammatory medications for GI conditions and arthritis; Sterigenics bought isotope maker Nordion for $727 million. Public offerings again drove biopharma financing, making up more than 50% of the $3.4 billion raised; device financing totaled $219 million, with most of the funding from debt and FOPO transactions.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Dealmaking column is a survey of recent health care transactions listed by relevant industry segment – In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced March through April 2014