Start-Up's monthly comprehensive review of emerging life science companies that have received venture funding during the month, including companies within the in vitro diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, research/analytical equipment & supplies, and medical device sectors.

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

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "New Antibody Platforms," features profiles of arGEN-X, Crescendo Biologics, Oligasis and Open Monoclonal Technology. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: BioMarker Strategies, BMEYE, Clear Catheter Systesm, Epicardial Technologies and Optibrium.

Since the chest tubes used postoperatively to drain blood and fluid from around the patient's heart have a tendency to clog, surgeons often choose large tubes, which are often the most visible--and painful--reminder a patient has of his surgery. Clear Catheter Systems LLC is developing technology that has the potential to make heart-surgery recovery safer and perhaps less painful by using smaller diameter tubes and actively breaking up occluding material that can lead to serious complications.