Abbott weighs in on proposed amendments to Australia’s in vitro diagnostics regulatory framework. NICE gives thumbs-up to intubation and amniotic fluid leak detection devices.

Recent meeting of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum draws a big audience. Two devices receive draft support from the U.K.'s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Montreal-based Paladin Labs makes itself a more attractive potential partner by expanding its geographic presence into Latin America through an acquisition of Ativa Pharma in Mexico.

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.