Healthcare stocks were slightly higher late Thursday afternoon, with the NYSE Healthcare Index increasing 0.2% and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) up 0.1%.
The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) eased 0.3%.
In corporate news, Haleon (HLN) has negotiated better shelf placement at Walmart (WMT) and Target (TGT), Reuters reported. The company reportedly said it has offered major retailers better prices and promotions, as well as exclusivity on new products, in exchange for more prominent shelf space. Haleon shares were down 1.1%.
Hutchmed (HCM) shares jumped 17% after the company said its unit licensed rights to GSK (GSK) to develop and commercialize experimental cancer treatment HMPL-A830 outside greater China. GSK shares added 0.8%.
AbbVie (ABBV) said Thursday that it has completed its acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics (APGE), valuing the clinical-stage biotechnology company at about $10.9 billion, or $135.11 per share. AbbVie shares were down 0.5%.
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (RARE) shares fell 44% after the firm said a phase 3 study of apazunersen in Angelman syndrome did not achieve the primary endpoint nor a key secondary endpoint.
Eli Lilly (LLY) unit Centessa Pharmaceuticals has achieved a late-stage development milestone related to its selective orexin receptor 2 agonist portfolio, triggering an $8.6 million payment to research collaboration partner Nxera Pharma, Nxera said Thursday. Lilly shares were down 0.2%.