Heading into the J.P. Morgan Healthcare conference, pharmas have been focusing on discovery alliances. J&J’s deals look into novel tissue-targeted drugs, ionic liquid delivery technology and cancer vaccine R&D. Lilly teams with Entos on novel methods for delivering neurology drugs.

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

Pharma sells the rights to Germany’s Cheplapharm, which obtained EU/Russia rights in October. Cerecor will acquire Aevi Genomics for $16.1m plus contingent value rights.

Biogen and Eisai's surprise decision to advance Alzheimer’s antibody despite mixed clinical results could follow a similar path as pioneering neurodegenerative therapies Xenazine and Rilutek, or more recent Parkinson’s drug Nourianz – or could end with suspended development, like Kyndrisa.