Derived from Strategic Transactions, Elsevier Business Intelligence’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.

Vifor Uriach Pharma, a joint-venture between Spain's Uriach Group and the Swiss firm Vifor Pharma, is now up and running.

Signs are that Spanish biotech, until now held back by a lack of capital and management expertise, may be about to receive the kick-start it badly needs. Newly-created Ysios Capital Partners is the country's first specialist VC. It's raising a first fund worth €65 million ($92 million)--and it's not alone.

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 Windhover's Strategic Transactions database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.