01:14 PM EDT, 04/17/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks climbed Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 1.7% and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) adding 1.5%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) advanced 1.4%.

In corporate news, Psyence Biomedical ( PBM ) shares surged 44% after it acknowledged recent reports saying that the US administration is preparing an executive order to further evaluate the safety and therapeutic potential of ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound being studied for its potential in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and other serious neurological and mental health conditions. Through its investment in PsyLabs, Psyence has established a position in the manufacturing of ibogaine and ibogaine derivatives, it said.