Fecal incontinence is a common, devastating condition that often goes untreated. Eyeing the potential multibillion-dollar opportunity, medtech start-ups are developing approaches that range from small and disposable to surgical and permanent.

Pharma companies in Portugal could see an already tough operating environment worsen in light of an imminent EU bailout. Industry commentators say the coming months could see a shortfall of funding for biotech ventures, company bankruptcies and a heightened perception of Portugal's geographic risk. There could also be more price cuts, which could have wider consequences for company revenues elsewhere thanks to reference pricing.

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.

Each month, Start-Up presents a survey of technology transfer deals--licensing agreements between companies and universities or other research institutions--in the fields of life sciences, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents.