The $9.7bn acquisition hinges on the small interfering RNA inclisiran, but an ongoing cardiovascular outcomes trial, manufacturing hurdles, and reimbursement challenges provide subjects for concern.

South Korean bioventure OliPass tells Scrip how it intends to grab a leading position in the global antisense oligonucleotide drug sector using in-house developed technology that it says can both sharply lower prices and increase safety in the field, where it is initially focusing on novel pain therapies.

Spinraza, launched by partner Biogen, is the antisense developer’s newest drug to reach the market. Ionis plans to file its first wholly-owned drug, volanesorsen, later this year.

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 in May 2016.