NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. ("NASDAQ") (Nasdaq:NDAQ) announced today the results of the semi-annual re-ranking of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index(r) (Nasdaq:NBI), which will become effective with the market open on Monday, November 24, 2008.
The re-ranking will result in three securities being added to the Index. All securities are classified according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical. The securities that meet the classification criteria then must meet other Index eligibility criteria including listing on the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Global Select Market and meeting minimum requirements for market value, average daily share volume and seasoning as a public company. The Index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November. For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including eligibility criteria, visit www.NASDAQ.com.
The following companies will be added to the index as a result of the re-ranking:
Celera Corporation, (Nasdaq:CRA) is a diagnostics company that delivers personalized disease management through a combination of products and services. The Company operates a clinical laboratory that provides testing services and develops, manufactures, and oversees the commercialization of molecular diagnostic products.
Micromet, Inc. (Nasdaq:MITI) is a biotechnology company. The Company develops novel antibody-based drugs for the treatment of cancer, inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:OPTR) discovers, develops, and commercializes anti-infective products. Optimer's initial development efforts address products that treat gastrointestinal infections (GI), and related diseases, including diminished efficacy, serious adverse side effects, drug-to-drug interactions, difficult patient compliance, and bacterial resistance.
As a result of the re-ranking, Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CTIC), deCODE genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:DCGN), Dynavax Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq:DVAX), EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:EPIX), ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ISTA), MDRNA, Inc. (Nasdaq:MRNA), Nuvelo, Inc. (Nasdaq:NUVO), Orchid Cellmark Inc. (Nasdaq:ORCH) and Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co. (Nasdaq:PPCO) will be removed from the Index.
The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is the basis for the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index(sm) Fund (Nasdaq:IBB), which seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges.
The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. is the world's largest exchange company. It delivers trading, exchange technology and public company services across six continents, with over 3,900 listed companies. NASDAQ OMX Group offers multiple capital raising solutions to companies around the globe, including its U.S. listings market; the OMX Nordic Exchange, including First North; and the 144A PORTAL Market. The company offers trading across multiple asset classes including equities, derivatives, debt, commodities, structured products and ETFs. NASDAQ OMX Group technology supports the operations of over 70 exchanges, clearing organizations and central securities depositories in more than 50 countries. OMX Nordic Exchange is not a legal entity but describes the common offering from NASDAQ OMX Group exchanges in Helsinki, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Iceland, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. For more information about NASDAQ OMX, visit http://www.nasdaqomx.com.
The Industry Classification Benchmark ("ICB") is jointly owned by FTSE International Limited ("FTSE") and Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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"Dow Jones" and "DJ" are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company Inc.
iShares are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. Barclays Global Fund Advisors serves as an advisor to iShares and is a subsidiary of Barclays Global Investors, N.A., neither of which is affiliated with SEI. For a prospectus, call 1-800-iSHARES (1-800-474-2737).
iShares are not FDIC Insured.
Have No Bank Guarantee.
May Lose Value.
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