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 Windhover's Strategic Transactions database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.

Often overlooked in all the interest in orthopedics is the non-surgical side, a product area that includes a wide range of supports and braces--soft goods as opposed to hard implants--used to treat a number of musculoskeletal problems. Indeed, given that non-surgical approaches represent an important front line in treatment options for patients with such problems-in spine, for example, surgical interventions are used in barely more than 10% of all patients complaining of back pain-it's surprising that more attention isn't paid to this segment. One company that has made the non-surgical orthopedics market a focus is dj Orthopedics Inc. who, with its acquisition of Aircast Inc. further enhances what is already a number-one market share position in the $1.2 billion US rehabilitation products market.

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 Windhover's Strategic Transactions database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.