Formerly called Adventrx, the company says the name Mast better reflects its current strategy, which includes a focus on a Phase III asset for sickle cell disease. With a new name and a late-stage trial underway, management is hoping to persuade skeptical investors to take a second look.

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.