The dealmaking column is a survey of recent transactions, including strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions, and financings, in the life sciences industries. Deals are listed by the following industry sectors: in vitro diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents. All transactions are excerpted from Elsevier's Strategic Transactions.

Avera Pharmaceuticals Inc. is betting that there are enough promising neurological and psychiatric drugs gathering dust on the shelves of Big Pharma to support a substantial specialty business. It is starting out with a portfolio of neuromuscular blocker compounds acquired from GlaxoSmithKline PLC.

Cornell tries to turn Ithaca into a Cambridge-like hub of tech transfer.