03:49 PM EDT, 08/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks rose late Tuesday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index up 0.7% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) adding 0.5%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) shed 0.2%.

In corporate news, Pediatrix Medical ( MD ) shares were climbing 2.8% in recent trading, a day after its board authorized a share buyback program of up to $250 million.

Premier (PINC) shares jumped past 7% after it posted fiscal Q4 results that topped market estimates.

Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) shares added 1.4% after Health Canada approved Ozempic as a medication to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of kidney failure, end-stage kidney disease and death due to cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Medtronic ( MDT ) raised its full-year earnings outlook and posted better-than-expected fiscal Q1 results. It also appointed two new members to its board following "constructive" talks with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. Medtronic ( MDT ) shares were falling 3%.

Viking Therapeutics ( VKTX ) shares tumbled 42% after it released mid-stage trial data of its investigational obesity pill.