Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infections are deadly for patients and expensive for hospitals to treat. Current methods of detecting MRSA are plagued with significant numbers of false-positive results. Molecular Detection Inc.’s Detect-Ready screening assay is designed to distinguish accurately if a positive result indicates the presence of MRSA or a combination of different bacteria, some of which may not be resistant to antibiotics. The test can be run with equipment found in most clinical laboratories, enabling hospitals to make informed clinical decisions about the best way to treat patients.

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

Biopharma, medical device, and in vitro diagnostics start-ups brought in a total of $780 million in Q3 2010, a 29% jump from the previous quarter and a 50% increase from Q3 2009. A total of eight start-up acquisitions closed in Q3, quite a jump from the first two quarters of 2010. The third quarter saw 14 biopharma alliances covering a wide range of therapeutic categories, the most popular indication being cancer.

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