In a panel discussion, neurosurgeons forecast a bright future for robotics spine surgery and a wish list for technological improvements. 

Follow-on public offerings continued to dominate, with 19 transactions making up almost half of Q2’s $2.7 billion financing volume. M&A dollars, up nearly four times that of Q1, totaled $34.7 billion, for 28 completed transactions, seven of which topped the billion dollar mark. In alliances, the Q2 potential deal value – also largely increased over the previous quarter’s – marked possibly the highest amount ever seen along with maybe the most expensive deal ever: Walgreen $6.6 billion agreement to purchase a minority equity share in Alliance Boots, bringing in over half of Q2’s value.

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, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, 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.