Highlights from the Q1 2010 review of start-up dealmaking: Biopharma, medical device and in vitro diagnostics startups raised a total of $331 million, a 66% drop from the previous quarter's $976 million, and a 52% slide from Q1 2009. As was the case in Q4 2009, Series B rounds dominated in the biopharma and device sectors. Just one acquisition closed in the quarter - BioMarin buying LEAD Therapeutics - however two others are in the works. On the alliance front, SpePharm and Dicerna each signed two deals in Q1.

miRagen Therapeutics Inc. is developing microRNA-based therapeutics for treating cardiovascular and muscle disease. The company is farthest along with researching potential treatments for heart disease. It has advanced several candidates including the miR-15/195 family to improve cardiac remodeling that occurs in heart muscle following a heart attack, miR-208 and miR-499 to address heart failure, and miR-29 to treat cardiac fibrosis.