The New York biotech announces option deals with two universities, asset license from CBM BioPharma. Bayer inks research collaborations with Japan’s RiKen and with a pair of Boston research hospitals.

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 December 2013 through January 2014.

Most of the current industry interest in autophagy – a mechanism cells use to degrade and remove damaged material – is centered on its role as a cancer drug target, but autophagy is also a neuroprotective mechanism. Now, a research team has shown its involvement in schizophrenia, opening the door for new drug and diagnostic development efforts.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Elsevier Business Intelligence’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Tech Transfer Deals column provides a monthly update on technology transfer deals, reporting licensing agreements between companies and universities or other research institutions within the In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals sectors. This month’s column covers deals announced October through November 2013.