A broad vaccines portfolio, a blockbuster asset swap with Novartis, and an R&D revamp including significant, long-term investment in technology platforms have cemented GlaxoSmithKline’s leadership in a perennially lucrative business that is core to its corporate ethos. Why hasn’t anyone seemed to notice?

A pair of technology platforms acquired in the 2010 buyout of Crucell is enabling J&J to produce higher yields of vaccines and deliver safely using adenovirus vectors.

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, Pharmaceuticals, and Research/Analytical – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced February 2015.

Sanofi moves into ROR gamma T R&D for potential autoimmune therapies in collaboration with Lead Pharma, while Intrexon acquires Belgium’s ActoGeniX and its platform technology for creating a novel class of biotherapeutics targeting the oral and GI tracts. Teva heads off dispute with Eagle, bringing in new bendamustine formulation.