Fat, fillers, and a "funnel" that may minimize a common cause of breast implant complications are among the hot topics in both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Meanwhile, the acquisition by Actavis of Allergan – a leading player in the aesthetics market with BOTOX and breast implants – has the combined company poised for long-term double-digit revenue and earnings growth.

Dr Gregory Verdine

Celtic Therapeutic Holdings, the global private equity firm, has finalised an exclusive option deal announced in October with Resolvyx Pharmaceuticals to further develop a RX-10045, a late-stage topical eye-drop that has shown potential for treating dry eye syndrome and other ophthalmic conditions. Under the terms of the deal, Celtic has acquired and licensed worldwide rights to RX-10045 in exchange for up-front consideration, near-term milestone payments, and funding for 100% of future development costs (details of all of which were undisclosed).

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, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents. All transactions are excerpted from Elsevier's Strategic Transactions