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 database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.

Novartis is mirroring its approach to pharma R&D and leveraging the byproducts of its biomarker work there to build a commercial molecular diagnostics franchise. The head of the unit talks about its structure, strategy and programs.

Women's health is an area long shunned by pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. But that is starting to change thanks to the successes of companies such as Cytyc and Digene, who have built successful testing franchises in the Ob/ Gyn market. As companies such as PerkinElmer and others look to develop new tests in this market, a spate of start-ups are developing technologies that might fit the bill. Of greatest interest are the so-called molecular tests since they offer the advantage of premium pricing.

Although it's still a small portion of the $30-plus billion diagnostic services and test supplies business, molecular diagnostics is on disproportionately rapid growth curve. Some estimate its revenue growth at 25% a year compared to the overall industry average of 3-5%. Reimbursement is improving and robust new tests are emerging, slowly but steadily.