A review of deal-making in the diabetes space since 2010 finds deals around technology to regenerate pancreatic beta cells and/or islet cells as the hottest mechanism of action. Thirteen deals in this area out-number the combined deals involving the DPP-4, SGLT-2 and GLP-1 mechanisms during that period.

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.

Islet Sciences, which is developing products for insulin-dependent diabetes around its islet cell transplantation technology, is to acquire DiaKine Therapeutics in an all-share deal. DiaKine is developing novel immune modulators to treat diabetes and related conditions.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, The Double-edged Sword of Diabetes Drug Development, features profiles of Alba Therapeutics, Alinea, DiaKine and Diabetica. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Actimis, Luminous Medical, NABsys and Pathfinder Therapeutics.