This week, the FDA extended a comment period on digital health tools to detect diabetes; Theradaptive launched a trial of its spinal fusion device; and devices from Hologic and GE Healthcare won FDA clearance.

A number of recent significant transactions in the South Korean biopharma space indicate some emerging trends as the sector develops and expands internationally. Scrip takes a look at the over-arching themes in M&A activity over the past few years and how these may differ from those being observed globally.

During Q3, biopharma merger and acquisition value reached $15.4bn and drew in $37.6bn in potential deal value from alliances. Device company M&A values reached $550m, while in vitro diagnostic firms and research tools players completed M&A activity that totaled $1.9bn.

Diagnostic kit maker Meridian Bioscience will be acquired by South Korean firms SD Biosensor and PE firm SJL Partners, accelerating entry into US market.