Shares of healthcare companies gained as Covid-19 remained in focus.
Pfizer, Merck and Roche are all conducting late-stage clinical trials for experimental oral antiviral treatments to treat Covid-19 as the virus is unlikely to disappear any time soon. Meanwhile, scientists are working to develop shots targeting the highly transmissible Delta variant that has caused surges around the world. On Wednesday, U.S. health authorities cleared Covid-19 vaccine booster shots for people 65 and older and certain other adults at high risk of severe illness, a bid to help curb the pandemic and the dangerous Delta variant.
Shares of Eargo lost more than two-thirds of their value after the hearing aids maker disclosed that it was the target of a government investigation for insurance fraud.
Howard Zucker, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, who worked with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to guide the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic, has resigned from his position, officials said.
Write to Amy Pessetto at amy.pessetto@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
09-23-21 1713ET
