Biscayne and Japanese CRO SNBL create spin-outs to advance programs; liver disease specialist Ascletis gains funds as it shifts away from HCV; Neon gets $100m to put into its cancer vaccines; and other highlights of recent VC funding.

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 database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.