Private Company Edition: Scrip spoke with DDF US partner Jonathan Behr about the convergence of emerging science, venture capital investment and rising big pharma interest in neurodegeneration. Also, in recent VC financings HotSpot raised $100m, while Curie and Ablaze debuted with $75m each. 

BioLineRx buys Agalimmune and its alpha Gal candidate for melanoma and possibly other oncology indications. Japan's Ono signs an R&D agreement with Switzerland's Numab, while Boston biotechs Vedantra and Neon will collaborate on potential cancer vaccines.

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 in December 2016.

South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has unveiled a list of companies that will be designated as innovative pharma firms for the next three years and thus eligible to receive financial and tax incentives to boost their R&D activities.