Health care stocks were mixed premarket Thursday, with the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) 0.4% lower and The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) marginally higher.

Bio-Path Holdings (BPTH) shares were up past 487% after the company said results from its preclinical trials of BP1001-A showed "enhanced insulin sensitivity," confirming it as a "potential" treatment for obesity and metabolic diseases in type 2 diabetes patients.

Mesoblast (MESO) stock was over 44% higher after the company said the US Food and Drug Administration has approved its mesenchymal stromal cell therapy Ryoncil for steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease in children 2 months and older, adolescents and teenagers.

Sangamo Therapeutics (SGMO) shares were up over 15% amid a license deal granting Astellas Pharma worldwide rights to its neurotropic adeno-associated virus capsid, STAC-BBB, for neurological disease targets, the companies said. The consideration for the deal includes a $20 million upfront license payment.