Mersana will help J&J develop antibody-drug conjugates against three targets, while AstraZeneca out-licenses a candidate for peripheral artery disease to Regio.

Genentech will use the X-Chem platform to obtain leads against multiple oncology targets. Lilly partners with Merus on CD3-targeting T-cell therapy candidates.

Celgene will pursue "high-impact" indications using Vividion's proteomics technology, while Magenta will use Heidelberg's technology to try to optimize bone marrow transplants.

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.