Healthcare stocks were rising premarket Thursday, with the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) 1.5% higher and the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) advancing by 0.6%.
Biogen (BIIB) shares were up more than 1% after the company said the US Food and Drug Administration has granted breakthrough therapy designation for Salanersen to treat spinal muscular atrophy, a rare, genetic and neuromuscular disease.
Royal Philips (PHG) and WellSpan Health said they have entered into a seven-year partnership focused on research, innovation, and the deployment of advanced imaging and diagnostic technologies across WellSpan's network. Shares of Royal Philips were up more than 1% pre-bell.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals (AMRX) stock was 1% higher after the company said has received the US Food and Drug Administration's approval for its romidepsin injection solution.