The onetime Celera CEO says his new attempt to centralize biological information into a massive database could lead to breakthroughs that extend the human life span. Behind that bold goal is a more mundane data-licensing strategy that, although not splashy, could still improve medicine.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Elsevier Business Intelligence’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 October through November 2013.