ON the lookout for potential ophthalmology options despite recent setbacks in the area, Novartis has now spotted ECF843, an investigative recombinant human lubricin – or natural lubricant – for dry eye.

Novartis is under pressure to deliver new drugs in areas like oncology, cardiovascular disease and dermatology, where it is making significant investments. Chief Medical Officer Vasant Narasimhan talked about the company’s strategy in these areas and others, the company’s recent R&D reorganization and business development in an interview during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

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.

Interviews with medical device inventors/entrepreneurs Rodney Perkins, MD, and Mir Imran, discussing their successes, such as Collagen and PercuSurge, and the ones that didn't make it.