The Canadian firm, Microbix Biosystems, has licensed all rights and expertise concerning its thrombolytic drug, Kinlytic (urokinase), to Zydus Cadila under a milestone-cum-royalty-based pact that aims to reintroduce the product in North America.

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.

The Canadian firm, Microbix Biosystems, will receive financial backing and regulatory support from Zydus Cadila of India for the proposed relaunch of the thrombolytic drug, urokinase, in the North America.

The future looks uncertain for a joint venture that had been limbering up to build Asia's largest influenza vaccine facility in Hunan province, China. One of the joint venture partners, Canadian firm Microbix Biosystems, says it has suspended all activity and returned finances raised from private investors in January, after running into an impasse in negotiations with its Chinese partner over amendments to the deal they originally signed in 2008.