Novartis/TScan and Gilead/Kite/oNKo-innate partnerships seek to advance cancer cell therapy. J&J, Bayer among the latest pharmas to unveil partnerships to fight the novel coronavirus.

Proposed acquisition mimics other recent M&A deals, like Sanofi/Genzyme, with inclusion of contingent-value rights pegged to success of two clinical candidates.

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 database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.

Valeant buys into Russian OTC market; NicOx buys stake in U.K. ophthalmology firm Altacor; Naturex reaches India coverage; Eurofins purchases BASF test business; Fortitech fortifies Asian presence; more news In Brief.