In Q4 2014 start-ups raised $1.5 billion, a new record. Several companies penned alliances with tech transfer entities; eight start-ups were acquired.

Biopharma financing increased 53% in Q4 to $8.8 billion; Actavis’ $65 billion takeover of Allergan topped the M&A activity, and Janssen led in dealmaking with six alliances.

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 October-November 2014.

Novartis completes the divestiture of its vaccines business by selling off two influenza vaccines to Australia’s CSL Ltd. Zogenix buys out Britain’s Brabant pharma and Pain Therapeutics is searching for a new partner for Remoxy after Pfizer drops the abuse-deterrent opioid.