After making handsome gains from selling generic versions of duloxetine Eli Lilly’s blockbuster anti-depression brand Cymbalta, companies are under pressure from the second wave of offerings.

Highlights from the Q4 2007 review of medical device and in vitro diagnostics/research dealmaking: there was a boost in medical device acquisitions--with patient monitoring in particular, which accounted for about half the total of this period--capping off an impressive year in medtech M&A activity. Of note in the in vitro diagnostics/research space was glucose monitoring, which brought in 60% of the total GM segment's $160 million in financing for the entire year.

Statistical review compiled from our Strategic Transactions database including financings by type (IPO, private placement etc.); financings by sector (surgical equipment, implantable devices, etc.); alliances by therapeutic category (cardiovascular, orthopedic, etc.); alliances by industry segment (biomaterials, monitoring equipment, etc. ); for three separate industries: medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals/biotechnology.

Summarizing the month in European dealmaking.