Diagnostics powerhouse Danaher Corp. has agreed to buy Aldevron LLC, a privately held biotech company that supplies a key ingredient for COVID-19 vaccines, from EQT VIII Fund for $9.6 billion in cash. Based in Fargo, N.D., with additional operations in Madison, Wis., Aldevron makes high-quality plasmid DNA, mRNA and recombinant proteins used in vaccines, gene and cell therapy, gene editing and diagnostic applications.

As demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven health assessment platforms grows, software developer Ada Health GmbH has signed more than 10 new partnerships with key players across life sciences, insurance and health systems. These include pharmaceutical partners Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Sanofi SA, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., as well as Taj Digital Health, Sutter Health, and more.

The largest med-tech M&As so far in 2021 have bumped the year’s value well above this point last year, although none come close to the October merger of Teladoc Health Inc. and Livongo Health Inc. for $18.5 billion. Still, 2021 appears on track to exceed 2020’s $38 billion M&A total, with 227 completed M&As already valued at $25 billion, 66% of 2020’s full-year amount.

Veracyte Inc. has agreed to acquire Haliodx SAS in a €260 million (US$318.1 million) deal to accelerate growth and strengthen its global footprint in cancer diagnostics. The cash and stock transaction will give Veracyte a manufacturing presence in Europe and expand its cancer diagnostics scope to eight of the 10 top cancers by U.S. incidence.

PARIS – Biosynex SA signed a binding offer to acquire 100% of the stock in Avalun SAS, a company developing the Labpad in vitro diagnostic device that provides rapid biological test results from small sample volumes. In Europe, Avalun is currently marketing a follow-up test for patients on anticoagulation therapy using antivitamin K agents, and a test for automated antigen detection for COVID-19.

Dariohealth Corp. agreed to acquire Psyinnovations Inc. (dba Wayforward), a behavioral health digital platform, for $30 million. The deal represents Dario's second of 2021, following the acquisition of the digital musculoskeletal company Upright Technologies Ltd. in January. The Wayforward transaction calls for $25 million at closing, with $6 million of that in cash and $19 million in shares of Dario common stock valued at $21.09 per share. In addition, Wayforward will receive another $5 million, if behavioral health revenues exceed a certain threshold in 2022.

Restor3d Inc. added a new dimension to its offerings with its merger with Kinos Medical Inc. The combination will increase Restor3d’s presence in the foot and ankle repair and replacement market by adding the Kinos Axiom total ankle system to its portfolio of 3D-printed implants using biomedical materials in a variety of applications.

Perkinelmer Inc. has agreed to acquire in vitro diagnostics company Immunodiagnostic Systems Holdings plc (IDS) for approximately $155 million (£110 million). The deal will enable Perkinelmer to expand its overall diagnostics business, particularly the immunodiagnostics segment. Based in Boldon, U.K., IDS makes chemiluminescence products in endocrinology, autoimmunity and infectious diseases. The company has three operating business units: Automated IVD Business, Manual IVD Business and Licensing and Technology.

HONG KONG – Dia Imaging Analysis Ltd. has teamed up with Sonoscape Medical Corp. to deliver cardiac ultrasound artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The partnership aims to reduce the variability associated with manual or visual analysis, and increase efficiency and accuracy throughout the analysis process. As a result, China-based Sonoscape's ultrasound devices will be offering a layer of automated AI-based analysis to support the clinician’s decision-making process, courtesy of Dia's AI-based cardiac solutions.