Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Venture Funding Deals column provides a comprehensive monthly review of emerging life science companies that have received venture funding, including companies within the In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals sectors. This month’s column covers deals announced January through February 2015.

Device funding increased 123% to $1.6 billion in Q2, and M&A activity was overshadowed by Medtronic’s massive $47 billion acquisition of Covidien. Diagnostics fundraising dropped slightly to $522 million, and there were multiple takeovers of life sciences companies.

For $635 million, Baxter acquired two marketed infectious vaccines from Pfizer; after five offers, Shire accepted AbbVie’s bid for $53.3 billion. Biopharma firms raised a total of $5.7 billion in June and July, while device companies raked in $924 million.

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 June-August 2014.