03:32 PM EDT, 10/18/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were higher late Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index up 0.3% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) rising 0.4%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) increased 0.2%.

In corporate news, Sanofi ( SNY ) is close to finalizing a deal this weekend to sell control of its consumer health unit Opella to Clayton Dubilier & Rice, Bloomberg reported. Sanofi ( SNY ) shares added 0.1%.