The latest mega deals aimed at bringing Chinese innovation to the US have rekindled go-global hopes for a sector badly needing some cheer. But some investors say out-licensing may be the best route and that Chinese biotech must scale back its do-all mentality and focus on what it does best amid a new reality.

The hard going could get even tougher as a funding crunch continues for China’s biotech sector, which is being hit by a paradox that could see more pain ahead, leading investors to take the pulse of the sector as the Year of the Rabbit starts.

It is time for In Vivo's 15th annual Deals of the Year contest. We've selected 15 nominees across three categories – Top Alliance, Top Financing and Top M&A – and you get to pick the winners.

Around the turn of the year, four Chinese biotechs including Kelun Biotech and BioRay ramped up funding with deals worth more than $100m, at a time when overall investment sentiment in the sector remains gloomy.