With the acquisition of Nycomed, Takeda’s long-standing strategy for becoming a world-class pharma has come into focus. The company spent much of the past decade building up its pipeline, globalizing R&D and importing Western staff, assets, platforms and processes. It also began a hectic period of M&A unparalleled among Japanese companies, culminating in 2011 with its acquisition of Nycomed. Now its focus will need to shift from big acquisitions and organizational makeover to execution.

With a metabolic-disease deal with Takeda Pharmaceuticals already under its belt, Sanford Burnham aims to extend its academic prowess to more business-oriented opportunities. Chief Business Officer Paul Laikind, PhD, aims to inject entrepreneural blood into Sanford-Burnham's scientific muscle.

Our monthly update on technology transfer deals--licensing agreements between companies and universities or other research institutions--in the fields of life sciences, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents.

A roundup of recent medtech strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions and financings.