TNX-1600 joins two other candidates, including Phase III TNX-102 SL, in Tonix’s PTSD portfolio. CureVac and Yale partner on mRNA therapies for pulmonary disease.

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 June 2016.

Some health care firms have managed to work around the industry's well-documented growth constraints by pursuing a strategy of convergence--finding new combinations of formerly distinct market segments for pharmaceuticals, devices, and diagnostics. The authors, at Bain & Company, outline the considerations that drive the evaluation of and set the stage for convergence opportunities. Companies can use them to capitalize on an array of opportunities throughout the commercialization continuum and develop a response to potential threats from the outside.

Until now, most spine surgeons wouldn't even treat osteoporotic fractures of the spine, referring such patients to medical management. But using technology borrowed from balloon angioplasty, Kyphon has developed instrumentation that represents a new clinical approach to this serious problem. As with most device companies, regulatory issues and reimbursement have been a challenge, as have comparisons with another spinal procedure, vertebroplasty.