News that the Australian biotech's paxalisib did not meet pre-defined criteria to continue into the second stage of a major glioblastoma platform trial saw Kazia's stock crash, but investor reaction appears to be excessive.

During Q2, biopharmas brought in an aggregate $12.5bn in financing and device company fundraising totaled $3.7bn; while in vitro diagnostic firms and research tools players raised $720m.

Biscayne and Japanese CRO SNBL create spin-outs to advance programs; liver disease specialist Ascletis gains funds as it shifts away from HCV; Neon gets $100m to put into its cancer vaccines; and other highlights of recent VC funding.

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.