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 December 2016.

With investors still generally staying out of e-health, a couple of Big Pharma companies think it's time to get in. First, Merck & Co. Inc. announced last November that former Merck-Medco chairman, Per Lofberg would head a $100 million fund dedicated to Internet Health care. And now, Eli Lilly & Co. has just launched the $50 million e.Lilly Venture Fund. Lilly's fund, which will focus on companies with technologies that the company can use, rather than return on investment, will make investments of up to $3 million in 12 to 15 companies over the next year or so.