03:57 PM EDT, 08/22/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were mixed late Thursday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index increasing 0.1% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) easing 0.1%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) fell 1%.

In corporate news, the US Food and Drug Administration approved and granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna ( MRNA ) and Pfizer ( PFE ) . Moderna ( MRNA ) was falling 5.7%, and Pfizer ( PFE ) was down 1%.

Evolent Health ( EVH ) shares jumped past 13%. Evolent is holding talks with private equity firms and other companies over a potential sale after receiving interest, Reuters reported Thursday.

Rafael ( RFL ) has agreed to merge with Cyclo Therapeutics ( CYTH ) , the companies said. Cyclo shares tumbled nearly 29% and Rafael ( RFL ) spiked 3.7%.

Stryker (SYK) shares were rising 1.3% after the company said Thursday it has agreed to buy Vertos Medical.