04:08 PM EDT, 07/16/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks rose late Wednesday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index adding 1.1% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) advancing 1.3%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) climbed 1.7%.

In sector news, KKR (KKR) is mulling a potential acquisition of GPI, an Italian health care technology firm, Bloomberg reported Wednesday. KKR shares were rising 4%.

In corporate news, Voyager Therapeutics ( VYGR ) shares jumped 7.2% after saying Wednesday that it launched a program that modulates the expression of apolipoprotein E, the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

Aptorum ( APM ) and DiamiR Biosciences said Wednesday they have struck an all-stock merger deal, with DiamiR becoming a subsidiary of Aptorum ( APM ) after the transaction. Aptorum ( APM ) shares surged 109%.

Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) raised its full-year outlook as it recorded better-than-expected Q2 results, amid double-digit gains from sales of its oncology and cardiovascular products. Its shares popped 6.2%.

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals ( MDGL ) shares climbed more than 11% after the company said it received a Notice of Allowance from the US Patent and Trademark Office for its Rezdiffra treatment.