Semi-Annual Changes to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index NEW YORK,
Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
("NASDAQ") (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 24, 2003. The re-ranking will result in 55 securities
being added to the Index. As announced on November 11, 2003, NASDAQ
will reclassify its companies according to the FTSE Global
Classification System(TM). The first step in this process is basing
the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index on FTSE's biotechnology and
pharmaceutical sub-sectors. 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/. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is the
basis for the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index(SM) Fund
(AMEX:IBB), 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 is the
world's largest electronic stock market. With approximately 3,400
companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more
shares per day than any other U.S. market. It is home to
category-defining companies that are leaders across all areas of
business including technology, retail, communications, financial
services, media and biotechnology. For more information about
NASDAQ, visit the NASDAQ Web site at http://www.nasdaq.com/ or the
NASDAQ Newsroom(SM) at http://www.nasdaqnews.com/ The FTSE Global
Classification System is compiled by FTSE International Limited.
(C)FTSE International Limited 2003. 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 Source: Bloomberg aaiPharma Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAII) is a specialty pharmaceutical and product development
company with drug development capabilities in the United States,
Europe, and Asia. The Company partners with pharmaceutical
companies on both a fee-for-service and royalty payment basis.
aaiPharma is also focusing on the launching of its own brand of
products in the areas of immunosuppression and pain management.
Able Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABRX) develops and manufactures
generic pharmaceuticals. The Company focuses on developing products
that offer market opportunities within selected niche markets of
the generic drug industry. Able currently sells several products
and has several products in various stages of Federal Drug
Administration approval. Adolor Corporation (NASDAQ:ADLR) is a
therapeutic-based biopharmaceutical company. The Company discovers,
develops, and commercializes pharmaceutical products for the
treatment of pain and the side effects that are caused by current
narcotic pain treatments. Adolor's small molecule product
candidates are in clinical trials. AtheroGenics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGIX)
develops and commercializes small molecule therapeutics for the
treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis,
asthma, and arthritis. These treatments are designed to suppress
inflammation without undermining the body's ability to protect
itself against infection. Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(NASDAQ:ANPI) develops drug-coated medical devices and drug-loaded
surgical implants. The Company enhances the performance of medical
devices and surgical implants through the use of
pharmacotherapeutics. Angiotech is the original developer of the
paclitaxel- eluting coronary stent, a drug-loaded medical device.
American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ:APPX) develops,
manufactures, and markets injectable pharmaceutical products. The
Company's primary focus is on the oncology, anti-infective, and
critical care markets. ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARIA)
discovers and develops breakthrough medicines that regulate cell
signaling with small molecules. The Company is primarily focused on
product candidates for targeted indications. ARIAD is developing
products to treat solid tumors, to block the spread of cancer, to
treat certain forms of leukemia, and to treat cancer that has
spread to bone and primary bone cancers. Axcan Pharma Inc.
(NASDAQ:AXCA) is a pharmaceutical company. The Company researches,
develops, and distributes pharmaceutical products, mainly in the
field of gastroenterology. Axcan's products treat inflammatory
bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, cholestatic diseases of
the liver, and infections as encountered in cystic fibrosis
patients. Biopure Corporation (NASDAQ:BPUR) develops, manufactures,
and markets Oxygen Therapeutic solutions. The Company's products
are pharmaceuticals which are intravenously administered to deliver
oxygen to the body's tissues. Biopure's products include Oxyglobin,
a treatment for anemia in dogs, and Hemopure, an investigational
Oxygen Therapeutic solution for human use. Biosite Incorporated
(NASDAQ:BSTE) is a research-based company that discovers and
develops novel protein-based diagnostic tests. The Company's
products improve a physician's ability to diagnose debilitating and
life- threatening diseases. Biosite's Triage brand rapid diagnostic
tests are used in United States hospitals and international
markets. Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CIPH) develops,
manufactures, and markets a proprietary ProteinChip System that
enables protein discovery, characterization, and assay development.
The system provides better understanding of biological functions at
the protein level. Connetics Corporation (NASDAQ:CNCT) is a
pharmaceutical company focused on late-stage product development
and commercialization for dermatology and other specialty medical
markets. The Company currently markets Luxiq foam for the treatment
of scalp dermatoses, Ridaura for the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis, and Actimmune for the treatment of infections resulting
from chronic granulomatous disease. deCODE genetics, Inc.
(NASDAQ:DCGN) is developing gene and drug target discovery,
database, and information technology products and services for the
healthcare industry using human genetics. The Company develops and
applies information technology to discover new knowledge about
health and disease through data mining. Digene Corporation
(NASDAQ:DIGE) develops, manufactures, and markets DNA and RNA tests
for the detection, screening, and monitoring of human diseases. The
Company's products are designed to help improve clinical outcomes
and reduce the overall cost of disease management. Digene's lead
product aids physicians in identifying women who are at a high risk
for cervical cancer and disease. Dendreon Corporation (NASDAQ:DNDN)
discovers and develops immunologically based therapeutic products
for the treatment of cancer. The Company combines knowledge in
immunology and antigen engineering with proprietary cell separation
technologies to develop therapeutic vaccines that induce cell-
mediated immunity, the body's key defense against cancer. Eon Labs,
Inc. (NASDAQ:ELAB) develops, licenses, manufactures, sells, and
distributes a range of prescription pharmaceutical products. The
Company utilizes an integrated approach to select and develop
generic pharmaceutical products in both niche and high volume
markets. Eon focuses on drugs in a broad range of solid oral dosage
forms, utilizing both immediate and sustained release delivery.
Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ENCY) discovers, develops,
and commercializes novel drugs, focusing on small molecule drug
development and vascular biology. The Company's initial product,
Argatroban, is being marketed for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Encysive is also developing the endothelin antagonist,
sistaxsentan, for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Endo
Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ENDP) is a specialty
pharmaceutical company with products that provide pain management.
The Company researches, develops, produces, and markets both
branded and generic pharmaceuticals. Endo's products include
Percocet, Percodan, and Lidoderm. EPIX Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:EPIX)
develops targeted contrast agents to improve the capability of
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic tool for a variety
of diseases. The Company's principal product under development,
AngioMARK, is an investigational new drug designed to enhance MRI.
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESPR) discovers and develops
pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cardiovascular
disease. The Company is testing therapies that may enhance the
naturally occurring processes in the body for the removal of excess
cholesterol. EXACT Sciences Corporation (NASDAQ:EXAS) has developed
technologies that will enable genomics based detection of
colorectal cancer and other types of common cancer. The Company's
technologies isolate human DNA shed into stool and then detect the
minute amount of abnormal DNA associated with colorectal cancer.
First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation (NASDAQ:FHRX) is a
pharmaceutical company focused on the development and marketing of
prescription pharmaceuticals for the treatment of chronic diseases.
The Company currently markets prescription products to high
prescribing physicians throughout the United States. Flamel
Technologies S.A. (NASDAQ:FLML) develops polymer technologies for
applications such as drug delivery, biomaterials, and
agrochemicals. The Company's programs include "Micropump" and
"Medusa" in drug delivery, and "ColCys" in biomaterial-based
medical devices. Flamel builds on its technology platforms to
develop other products, such as new materials for opthalmic lens
products. Gen-Probe Incorporated (NASDAQ:GPRO) develops,
manufactures, and commercializes diagnostic products based on its
genetic probe technologies. Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:HBIO)
develops, manufactures, and markets tools used in drug discovery
research and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies,
universities, and government laboratories. The Company's tools
include proteomics products that allow researchers to purify and
analyze proteins and ADMET screening products that test drug
candidates. Hollis-Eden Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:HEPH)
discovers, develops, and commercializes products for the treatment
of a number of targeted disease states caused by viral, bacterial,
parasitic, or fungal infections. The Company's technology platforms
are based on cellular energy regulation, an immune system
modulation technology, and on biochemical synthesis regulators.
Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDEV) develops and
commercializes products and product candidates, including multiple
compounds in late-stage clinical development. The Company is
developing compounds for the treatment of panic disorders,
overactive bladder, cirrhosis of the liver, strokes, and
inflammatory bowel disease, as well as a compound for the
prevention of infection by certain diseases. IDEXX Laboratories,
Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) provides diagnostic, detection, and information
systems for veterinary, food, and water testing applications. The
Company also operates an international network of veterinary
reference laboratories. IDEXX offers its products to customers
worldwide. Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:INGN) develops gene
therapy products for the treatment of cancer. The Company's lead
product candidate combines the p53 gene, a tumor suppressor gene,
with a gene delivery system that it has developed and tested.
Introgen is developing cancer therapies that are based on restoring
normal cellular function through gene therapy. Impax Laboratories,
Inc. (NASDAQ:IPXL) develops, manufactures, and markets both
proprietary and multi-source pharmaceutical products utilizing its
drug delivery technologies. The Company specializes in the
development of niche and controlled release generics, as well as
the development of branded products. Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(NASDAQ:ISPH) discovers and develops pharmaceutical products to
treat diseases that result from deficiencies in the body's natural
mechanisms of mucosal hydration. The Company's lead products target
respiratory and opthtalmic diseases with inadequate current
treatments, including a respiratory for chronic bronchitis and an
opthtalmic for dry eye disease. Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(NASDAQ:KOSP) is a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical
company that develops and commercializes proprietary prescription
pharmaceutical products. The Company's products are for use in the
treatment of chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Kos
has drug-delivery capabilities in both solid-dose and aerosolized
formulation technologies. Lexicon Genetics Incorporated
(NASDAQ:LEXG) discovers breakthrough treatments for human disease.
The Company is using gene knockout technology to systematically
discover the physiological functions and pharmaceutical utility of
genes. Lexicon's gene function discoveries fuel therapeutic
discovery programs in diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease,
immune disorders, and cancer. La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company
(NASDAQ:LJPC) researches and develops specialized therapeutics for
the treatment of diseases caused by antibodies. The Company is
developing products to treat autoimmune conditions such as lupus
and antibody-mediated stroke. Martek Biosciences Corporation
(NASDAQ:MATK) develops, manufactures, and sells products derived
from microalgae. The Company's products include nutritional oils
for infant formula, nutritional supplements and food ingredients,
reagents to visualize molecular interactions for drug discovery and
development, and fluorescent markers for diagnostics, miniaturized
screening, and gene detection. Vicuron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(NASDAQ:MICU) is an international biopharmaceutical company that
discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes vital
medicine for seriously ill patients. The Company's lead product
candidates include a novel antifungal agent and a novel intravenous
antibiotic for the treatment of serious Gram-positive infections.
Nabi Biopharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:NABI) is a vertically integrated
biopharmaceutical company focused on drugs that prevent and treat
infectious and autoimmune diseases. The Company currently provides
biopharmaceuticals, including Nabi-HB for the prevention of
hepatitis B infections, and WinRho SDF for the treatment of
HIV-related immune thrombocytopenia. Nabi also has a clinical
trials program. Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVN) develops
transdermal and transmucosal drug delivery systems and
technologies. The Company's products include Vivelle and Vivelle
Dot estrogen transdermal delivery systems, DentiPatch transmucosal
patch, and CombiPatch and Estalis estrogen/progestin transdermal
delivery systems. Noven also has other products in development.
Neurochem Inc. (NASDAQ:NRMX) is a specialty pharmaceutical company
that offers a new class of drug candidates to prevent and stop the
progression of diseases for which no cure exists. The Company is
focusing on unmet medical needs of disorders of the central nervous
system and amyloid-related diseases. Neurochem's product candidates
include Fibrillex, Alzhemed, and Cerebril. Onyx Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (NASDAQ:ONXX) discovers and develops novel therapeutics based
upon the genetics of human disease, with an emphasis on cancer. The
Company focuses on defining the function of certain mutated genes
that are known to cause cancer, and on developing therapies to
reverse the effects of the mutation or to kill the cancer cell.
Priority Healthcare Corporation (NASDAQ:PHCC) distributes specialty
pharmaceuticals and related medical supplies to the alternate
healthcare market. The Company also provides patient-specific,
self-injectable biopharmaceuticals and disease treatment programs
to individuals with chronic diseases. Priority distributes its
products across the United States. POZEN Inc. (NASDAQ:POZN)
develops pharmaceutical products in select therapeutic areas. The
Company's MT 100 product is an oral first-line therapy for the
treatment of migraine. POZEN also develops drugs for diseases of
the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, oncology, and
infectious diseases. Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co. (NASDAQ:PPCO)
researches, develops, and commercializes novel drug delivery
technologies. The Company's proprietary TIMERx controlled release
drug delivery technology is applicable to a broad range of orally
administered drugs. Penwest's product portfolio ranges from
excipients that are sold in bulk, to more advanced and patented
excipients that are licensed to customers. Perrigo Company
(NASDAQ:PRGO) manufactures store brand over-the-counter
pharmaceutical products and also manufactures store brand
nutritional products. The Company's customers include major
national and regional retail drug, supermarket, and mass
merchandise chains such as Albertson's, CVS, and Target, and major
wholesalers such as Super Valu and McKesson. PAREXEL International
Corporation (NASDAQ:PRXL) is a contract research and product launch
organization. The Company provides outsourcing services to the
worldwide pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device
industries. PAREXEL has operations in various countries around the
world. Pain Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTIE) is developing a new
generation of opioid painkillers. The Company uses its proprietary
technology to reformulate opioid drugs, such as morphine, into new
painkillers. Pain Therapeutics currently has several products in
Phase II clinical trials. Sepracor Inc. (NASDAQ:SEPR) is a
research-based pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating and
preventing human disease through the discovery, development, and
commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical products that are
directed to unmet medical needs. The company's drug development
programs are focused on the treatment of respiratory, urology, and
central nervous system disorders. SFBC International, Inc.
(NASDAQ:SFCC) is a contract research organization that conducts
clinical research and provides drug development services for
clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Shire
Pharmaceuticals Group plc (NASDAQ:SHPGY) specializes in the
marketing, licensing and development of prescription medicines. The
Group focuses its operations towards four therapeutic areas:
central nervous system disorders, oncology/hematology, antivirals
and biologics. Shire sells and markets its products in the United
States, Canada, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the
United Kingdom. Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SLXP) develops
and markets prescription pharmaceutical products for the treatment
of gastrointestinal diseases. The Company's COLAZAL product is an
anti-inflammatory drug used for the treatment of mildly to
moderately active ulcerative colitis. SuperGen, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUPG)
is a pharmaceutical company that acquires, develops, and markets
products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases,
particularly cancer. The Company is marketing Nipent in the United
States for the treatment of hairy cell leukemia. SuperGen is also
conducting late stage clinical trials on a drug that has the
potential to treat a variety of solid tumors. Savient
Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SVNT) develops, manufactures, and
markets human health care products for niche and wider markets. The
Company markets Oxandrin and Delatestryl in the United States.
Savient's United Kingdom subsidiary develops oral liquid
formulations of prescription products, and its Israeli subsidiary
manufactures Bio-Tropin, BioLon, Bio-Hep-B, and Arthrease. Taro
Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ:TARO) is a multinational,
science-based pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops,
manufactures, and markets healthcare products. The Company's
products include prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Techne
Corporation (NASDAQ:TECH), through Research and Diagnostic Systems,
Inc., manufactures biological products. The Company also, through
R&D Systems Europe, Ltd., distributes biotechnology products.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ:TEVA) develops,
manufactures and markets generic and branded human pharmaceuticals
and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The Company produces
antibiotics, oncological products, Alpha D3 for treatment of
post-menopausal bone loss in women and Copaxone for treatment of
multiple sclerosis. Teva develops novel drugs for diseases of the
central nervous system. DATASOURCE: NASDAQ CONTACT: Media: Wayne
Lee, +1-301-978-4875, or Issuers and Investors: Lisa Chaney,
+1-301-978-8281, both of NASDAQ Web site:
http://www.nasdaqnews.com/ http://www.nasdaq.com/
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