Private Company Edition: Gossamer, Ascentage and Alector continued the trend of large venture capital rounds, recently raising $230m, $150m and $133m, respectively. Led by former Receptos executives, Gossamer has multiple clinical trials planned, but continues to keep details of its drug candidates under wraps.

Celgene won the first approval for a drug developed under its aggressive deal-making strategy in 2017 and several potential blockbusters in its partnered pipeline are edging closer to the market. Ozanimod will soon face regulatory approval, but the next-in-line acquired asset GED-0301 had a major setback. Scrip considers the contribution externally derived products have made – and will make – to Celgene’s business.

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 September 2017.

Merck adds to its immuno-oncology R&D heft with purchase of Rigontec, while Allergan will collaborate with Lyndra to produce once-weekly drugs for Alzheimer’s disease.