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 April through May 2014.

MedImmune and Bristol announce immuno-oncology combination trials with new partners on the same day, while AC Immune and Piramal Imaging will collaborate to develop an Alzheimer’s diagnostic to trace abnormal Tau protein in neuronal tissue.

According to the Strategic Transactions database, 2013 saw 92 deals involving biopharma M&A completed or close to completion; the most active participants were specialty pharma companies, with only a handful of big pharmas committing to buying up assets.

AstraZeneca will acquire all of Bristol’s interests in their current diabetes alliance. In doing so, AZ believes its geographic reach and scale in assets and capabilities position it to succeed, while Bristol retreats from diabetes to focus on specialty biologics, notably its PD-1 franchise.