01:37 PM EDT, 04/17/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were mixed Wednesday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index fractionally higher and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) slightly lower.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was down 0.1%.

In corporate news, Vanda Pharmaceuticals ( VNDA ) shares surged 30% after the firm said its board adopted a rights plan to protect shareholder interests and maximize value. Separately, Vanda said its board rejected all unsolicited proposals from Future Pak to buy its shares, including the most recent proposal from April 1, for $7.25 to $7.75 per share.