Novartis has taken an option on novel inhibitors of the KRAS cell signaling pathway while it funds the drug discovery research at the Cancer Research UK’s Beatson Institute.

InfaCare’s jaundice drug needs more neurodevelopmental outcome studies, US FDA committee says, but one panelist doubts feasibility of long-term follow-up; talk of additional studies leads to an unusual tongue-lashing from one of InfaCare's experts, who says he was 'stunned' by the committee’s conclusion that efficacy had not been shown.

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 August-September 2014.

Disclaimer alert symbol needed in ads; Prestige keeps Dramamine brand; DSM invests in omega-3s; Citizen petition to ban carrageenan withdrawn; NDAC to consider health care antiseptics; and Prolact CR cream supplement helps premature infants.