NEW YORK, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (NASDAQ(R)) (BULLETIN BOARD: NDAQ) announced today the results of the semi-annual re-ranking of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index(R) , which will become effective with the market open on Monday, November 22, 2004.
The re-ranking will result in 11 securities being added to the Index. All securities are classified according to the FTSE Global Classification System(TM) as biotechnology or pharmaceutical. The securities that meet the classification criteria then must meet other Index eligibility criteria including listing on the NASDAQ National Market and meeting minimum requirements for market value, average daily share volume and seasoning as a public company. The Index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November. For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including eligibility criteria, visit http://www.nasdaq.com/.
All securities being added to the Index will be phased into NASDAQ’s Opening Cross effective Tuesday, November 16, 2004.
As a result of the re-ranking, Biopure Corporation and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. will be removed from the Index.
The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is the basis for the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index(SM) Fund , which seeks investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index before fees and expenses. In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges.
NASDAQ(R) is the largest electronic screen-based equity securities market in the United States. With approximately 3,300 companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares per day than any other U.S. market. It is home to companies that are leaders across all areas of business including technology, retail, communications, financial services, transportation, media and biotechnology. NASDAQ is the primary market for trading NASDAQ listed stocks. For more information about NASDAQ, visit the NASDAQ Web site at http://www.nasdaq.com/ or the NASDAQ Newsroom at http://www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/.
The FTSE Global Classification System is compiled by FTSE International Limited.
FTSE(TM) is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Plc and The Financial Times Limited and is used by FTSE International Limited under license.
iShares are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. Barclays Global Fund Advisors serves as an advisor to iShares and is a subsidiary of Barclays Global Investors, N.A., neither of which is affiliated with SEI. For a prospectus, call 1-800-iSHARES (1-800-474-2737).
IShares are not FDIC Insured. Have No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. Company Briefs
Bone Care International, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes improved vitamin D-hormone therapies. The company’s therapies treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with kidney disease, osteoporosis, psoriasis, and certain cancers.
Bioenvision, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the research and development of products and technologies for the treatment of cancer. The company also performs research on anti-immune diseases.
Corgentech Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes therapeutics called transcription factor decoys, or TF decoys. The company focuses on TF decoys for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disease, and cancer.
Cytokinetics, Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company that combines life sciences and information technologies to accelerate and enhance the productivity of drug discovery and development. The company focuses on the novel small molecule drugs that specifically target the cytoskeleton, a complex, dynamic framework that impacts all aspects of cell functions.
Discovery Laboratories, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes medically novel therapeutics for critical care. The company is focusing on diseases of the lung, with initial emphasis on the treatment of neonatal conditions. Discovery is also developing pharmaceuticals to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute lung injury and cystic fibrosis.
Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes novel therapeutics to treat diseases of the eye. The company’s initial focus is on diseases affecting the back of the eye, particularly the retina. Eyetech is developing a product for the treatment of the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, and for diabetic macular edema.
GTx, Inc. discovers, develops, and commercializes therapeutics primarily related to the treatment of serious men’s health conditions. The company’s drug discovery and development programs are focused on small molecules that selectively modulate the effects of estrogens and androgens, two essential classes of hormones. GTx is currently developing products for prostate cancer.
NitroMed, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and seeks to commercialize proprietary pharmaceuticals based on the therapeutic benefits of the naturally occurring molecule nitric oxide. The company’s research and development efforts focus on major diseases that are characterized by a deficiency in nitric oxide, such as cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops novel, small molecule drugs in four lead product development programs: allergy/asthma, autoimmune disorders, hepatitis C, and cancer.
Santarus, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, developing, and commercializing proprietary products for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. The primary focus of the company is the development and commercialization of next generation proton pump inhibitor-PPI products.
Third Wave Technologies, Inc. provides products used in the analysis of genetic variations. The company’s genetic analysis platform, the Invader Operating System, includes tests for genetic mutations associated with immune response, drug metabolism, and predisposition to blood clots. The company’s tests may be used for diagnosis and patient treatment or for drug discovery and development.
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CONTACT: Wayne Lee, +1-301-978-4875, or Issuer and Investor Contact:Lisa Chaney, +1-301-978-8281, both of NASDAQ