Technical challenges and lackluster investor sentiment about the near-term commercial potential of cell and gene therapies in neurological disorders may be holding the field back.

Phase II/III studies are underway for Mesoblast’s remestemcel-L and Athersys’ Multistem, followed by a pack of earlier-stage stem cell candidates from Pluristem, Hope Bioscience and Celltex – with an interactive chart of the COVID-19 cell therapy pipeline.

A review of biopharma startup dealmaking and financing activity from January through March 2017, based on data from Strategic Transactions, showed a 19% decline in startup financing compared with the fourth quarter of 2016, but big pharmas provided capital in the form of alliance fees.

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 in February 2017.