Following a strategic review, AMAG goes to Covis. Vincera goes public in merger with blank check company, has pending cancer deal with Bayer.

The deal worth up to $576m gives Merck what Calporta founding investor Avalon believes is the most advanced program targeting TRPML1, a lysosomal ion channel implicated in neurodegenerative diseases when the lysosome stops clearing debris from cells.

Biopharma financing decreased by 29% in the first quarter of 2017; conversely, M&As set a record, reaching $61.9 billion. The largest alliance of the quarter involved the microbiome.

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 January 2017