Sector Update: Healthcare Stocks Softer in Afternoon Trading
Healthcare stocks edged lower Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Healthcare Index and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) each decreasing about 0.1%.The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) rose 0.5%.In corporate news, Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) shares fell 1.3% after it said a phase 3 trial of Zepzelca in second-line metastatic small cell lung cancer failed to meet its primary endpoint.Avalo Therapeutics' (AVTX) lead drug abdakibart is now a cleaner immunology story following positive phase 2 trial data to treat skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa, BofA Securities said. BofA started coverage of the stock with a buy rating and a price target of $35. Avalo shares jumped 6%.Cogent Biosciences (COGT) said Bezuclastinib showed "rapid and deep" clinical benefit in advanced systemic mastocytosis patientsfollowing detailed and updated trial results. Shares rose 1.6%.