Health care stocks were mixed Thursday afternoon with the NYSE Health Care Index easing 0.1% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) increasing 0.1%.
The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) rose 0.6%.
In sector news, the US Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
In corporate news, Pliant Therapeutics' (PLRX) shares surged 25% after the company started assembling an external expert panel to evaluate unblinded data from the phase 2b trial of bexotegrast in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
GE Healthcare Technologies (GEHC) shares jumped 9.3% after the company reported higher Q4 adjusted earnings and revenue.
Aardvark Therapeutics (AARD) shares debuted on Nasdaq with an opening price of $15.18, below the initial public offering price of $16. The stock fell 20% in recent trading.
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