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, Pharmaceuticals, and Research/Analytical Tools – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced in September 2015.

Angel- and venture-backed medtech start-ups are working to fill the tremendous unmet need for alternative device options for treating (not just managing) female urinary incontinence a condition that has a significant impact on quality of life for millions of women. In this issue we profile Floelle, InControl Medical, NexHand, and Solace Therapeutics.

Solace Therapeutics Inc.’s Solace Bladder Control System is a small, lightweight, polyurethane balloon device that fills with air once it is placed within the bladder, where it floats unobtrusively at the top of the organ, not blocking the urethra. The device is designed to eliminate or reduce involuntary urinary leakage by acting as a “shock absorber” to reduce the temporary peak pressure changes in the bladder that cause urinary leakage.

Once a sluggish category for clinical innovation, gynecology is drawing new venture-backed companies eager to build upon the lead created by first-generation companies operating in minimally-invasive endometrial ablation and female sterilization. First generation companies had the difficult task of creating paths to early adopters of minimally invasive procedures. These now exist, and the clinical specialty appears to be also evolving in ways that encourage the growth of in-office procedures.