01:59 PM EDT, 09/17/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks rose Wednesday afternoon with the NYSE Health Care Index and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) adding 0.5%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) increased 0.7%.

In corporate news, GSK (GSK), Eli Lilly ( LLY ) , Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) and AstraZeneca ( AZN ) are among the pharmaceutical firms that have pledged to invest more than $350 billion in the US amid the Trump administration's tariff threats, The Wall Street Journal reported. GSK shares rose 0.7%, Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) gained 0.4%, AstraZeneca ( AZN ) advanced 0.3% and Eli Lilly ( LLY ) was little changed.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals ( REGN ) shares gained 1.3%. The company said updated Phase 2 trial results suggest that combining its experimental antibodies -- trevogrumab or garetosmab -- with semaglutide may help treat obesity more effectively by limiting muscle loss during weight reduction.

Vivani Medical ( VANI ) stock jumped 22%. Gregg Williams, 10% owner and director, bought 2.07 million shares for $2.4 million.