09:15 AM EDT, 08/20/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were mixed pre-bell Wednesday, with the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund ( XLV ) up 0.2% and the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) 0.3% lower.

Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) has introduced a global hiring freeze, multiple media outlets reported, citing a company spokesperson. Shares of Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) were 0.7% lower premarket.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals ( JAZZ ) has obtained exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Saniona's experimental epilepsy drug, SAN2355, the companies said. Jazz Pharmaceuticals ( JAZZ ) stock was 0.4% higher pre-bell.

Rocket Pharmaceuticals ( RCKT ) shares were up more than 29% after the company said the US Food and Drug Administration has lifted a clinical hold on its mid-stage trial of RP-A501 to treat Danon disease.