09:14 AM EDT, 04/15/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were advancing in premarket activity Monday as the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) was up 0.6% and the iShares Biotechnology ETF ( IBB ) was 0.3% higher recently.

Neumora Therapeutics ( NMRA ) shares were declining by over 12% after the company said the US Food and Drug Administration has placed a clinical hold on the phase 1 trial of its NMRA-266 potential brain disease treatment following the emergence of pre-clinical data showing convulsions in rabbits.

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical ( RARE ) shares were down more than 6% after the company said three patients enlisted under its phase 1/2 study of GTX-102 as a potential treatment for Angelman syndrome "had serious adverse events" of lower extremity weakness related to the treatment.

Exact Sciences ( EXAS ) said it has appointed Aaron Bloomer as its chief financial officer, starting May 15. Exact Sciences ( EXAS ) shares were marginally up pre-bell.