02:07 PM EST, 01/30/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks rose Thursday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index adding 1.4% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) climbing 1.3%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) advanced 1.4%.

In corporate news, Alterity Therapeutics ( ATHE ) shares surged past 51% after the company said its ATH434 lead candidate demonstrated 48% slowing of clinical progression in a phase 2 trial in people with early-stage multiple system atrophy.

Tectonic Therapeutic ( TECX ) shares soared 94% after it said a phase 1b trial showed that TX45 improved left ventricular function and pulmonary hemodynamics.

Cigna ( CI ) shares fell 8.1% after it reported a decline in Q4 adjusted earnings, which also missed market expectations.