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FINWIRES

Sector Update: Health Care Stocks Mixed Late Afternoon

-- Health care stocks were mixed late Thursday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index adding 0.1% and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) easing 0.1%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) increased 0.2%.

In corporate news, STAAR Surgical (STAA) needs to show that the rebound in China is sustainable after the firm reported much higher preliminary Q1 net sales than consensus, Wedbush said in a note. Wedbush raised the company's price target to $26 from $21, while keeping its neutral rating. STAAR shares jumped 21%.

Amazon.com's (AMZN) Amazon Pharmacy said Thursday it is offering Eli Lilly's (LLY) obesity pill Foundayo. Additionally, WW International (WW) said Thursday it is now offering access to Foundayo for weight loss through its Med+ program and affiliated medical groups. Lilly shares rose 0.4%.

BridgeBio Pharma (BBIO) is transitioning from a single-asset transthyretin story into a diversified rare disease company, with growth poised to accelerate beyond its ATTR franchise, RBC Capital said in a note. RBC started coverage of the company with an outperform rating and a price target of $100. BridgeBio shares rose 2.7%.

Vanda Pharmaceuticals (VNDA) said Thursday it is calling on the US Food and Drug Administration to withdraw a proposal in the regulator's fiscal 2027 Congressional Budget Justification that would extend drug review timelines. Vanda shares were down 0.3%.

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