New maternal/pediatric work group will consider recommendations for use of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies targeting protection of children <18 years. With several products in the late-stage pipeline, group has begun reviewing RSV epidemiology and discussing cost-effectiveness.

The published results of the SISTERS trial demonstrate intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy with the recently redesigned SynchroMed II reduces spasticity-related pain and improves quality of life more than conventional medical management with oral antispastic medications in post-stroke patients suffering spasticity. The company hopes these results can boost interest in ITB and the SynchroMed II system while it works to resolve a 2015 consent decree with the FDA related to malfunctions with a previous version of the device.

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 September 2017.

The big biotech takes options on preclinical Tyk2 and STING programs. REGENXBIO drops out of the bidding for Dimension, ceding to Ultragenyx, and Eisai licenses four drugs to Uruguay’s Grupo Biotoscana.