The Japanese bioventure OncoTherapy Science (OTS) has been hit by the discontinuation of alliances with two compatriot firms for some of its key pipeline cancer projects.

Shares in OncoTherapy Sciences (OTS) surged in Tokyo on Oct. 24 after the Japanese bioventure published promising early findings with a novel anticancer small molecule, OTS964.

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 May and June 2014.

When William Rice was brought in as a consultant to take a look at Lorus Therapeutics and its pipeline of cancer drug candidates, he saw an opportunity to advance the Canadian company's lead small molecule LOR-253 in a faster, targeted way.