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.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Medical Device Deals Update column is a survey of recent medtech M&A, alliance, and financing activity. This month’s column covers deals announced April-May 2014.

Biopharma companies raised $3.6 billion in Q1, with almost two-thirds coming from debt sales or follow-on public offerings. Seven of the 19 finalized mergers topped $500 million, but the biggest news was Valeant's attempt to takeover Cephalon. Lilly and BI signed the biggest deal of the quarter when they pooled their diabetes assets in an alliance worth $2.4 billion.

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.