NEW YORK, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Nasdaq Stock Market, 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 21, 2005. The re-ranking will result in 17 securities being added to the Index. All securities are classified according to the FTSE Global Classification System(TM) as biotechnology or pharmaceutical. The securities that meet the classification criteria then must meet other Index eligibility criteria including listing on the NASDAQ National Market(R) 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 http://www.nasdaq.com/. As a result of the re-ranking, AEterna Zentaris, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEZS), Corgentech Inc. (NASDAQ:CGTK), Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CIPH), GTx, Inc. (NASDAQ:GTXI), La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (NASDAQ:LJPC), Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVAX) and PRAECIS PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED (NASDAQ:PRCSD) will be removed from the Index. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is the basis for the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index(SM) Fund (AMEX:IBB), which seeks investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index before fees and expenses. In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges. NASDAQ(R) is the largest electronic screen-based equity securities market in the United States. With approximately 3,200 companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares per day than any other U.S. market. It is home to category-defining companies that are leaders across all areas of business including technology, retail, communications, financial services, transportation, media and biotechnology. For more information about NASDAQ, visit the NASDAQ Web site at http://www.nasdaq.com/ or the NASDAQ Newsroom at http://www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/. The FTSE Global Classification System is compiled by FTSE International Limited. Beginning with the May 2006 re-ranking, NASDAQ will be using The Industry Classification Benchmark. The Industry Classification Benchmark ("ICB") is jointly owned by FTSE International Limited ("FTSE") and Dow Jones & Company, Inc. FTSE(TM) is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Plc and The Financial Times Limited and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. "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. Company Briefs Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALNY) is a biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics based on a breakthrough in biology known as RNA interference, or RNAi. Anadys Pharamceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANDS) provides biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, and commercializes small molecule, anti- infective medicines for the treatment of HCV and bacterial infections. BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:BCRX) a biopharmaceutical company, discovers and designs novel small molecule pharmaceuticals using structure- based drug design. The company's products are used for the treatment of immunological, viral, and cardiovascular diseases and disorders. Crucell N.V. (NASDAQ:CRXL) licenses technology to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Crucell develops treatments for cancer, inflammatory diseases, and influenza. CoTherix, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTRX) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on licensing, developing and commercializing therapeutic products for the treatment of cardiopulmonary and chronic diseases. DURECT Corporation (NASDAQ:DRRX) develops and commercializes pharmaceutical systems for the treatment of chronic diseases. Gen-Probe Incorporated (NASDAQ:GPRO) develops, manufactures, and commercializes diagnostic products based on its generic probe technologies. The company's products are used for the clinical diagnosis of human diseases and for screening donated human blood. Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co., Inc. (NASDAQ:HITK) manufactures prescription and over-the-counter generic and branded pharmaceuticals in liquid and semi-solid dosage forms. Kosan Biosciences Incorporated (NASDAQ:KOSN) is a biotechnology company that develops drugs from molecules called polyketides. Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MNTA) is a biotechnology company specializing in sequencing and engineering of complex sugars for the development of novel drugs, and discovery of new biological processes. Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTK) researches, develops and manufactures nasally administered pharmaceuticals. Panacos Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANC) is developing the next generation of anti-infective products through discovery and development of small molecule oral drugs for the treatment of HIV and other major human viral diseases. Sirna Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNAI) is a biotechnology company utilizing its expertise in nucleic acid technology to develop and commercialize products that target human diseases. Renovis, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNVS) is a biopharmaceutical company developing drugs to treat neurological diseases and disorders. StemCells, Inc. (NASDAQ:STEM) is a biotechnology company. The company discovers, develops, and commercializes stem cell-based therapies to treat diseases of the central nervous system, liver, and the pancreas. ViaCell, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAC) is a biotechnology company focused on enabling the widespread use of human cells as medicine. In addition to its therapeutic focus, the company offers expecting families the opportunity to preserve umbilical cord blood for potential future medical use. ViroPharma Incorporated (NASDAQ:VPHM) is a pharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of medicines for use by gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and in transplant and hospital settings. DATASOURCE: NASDAQ CONTACT: Media: Wayne Lee, +1-301-978-4875, or Issuer and Investors: Lisa Chaney, +1-301-978-8281, both of NASDAQ Web site: http://www.nasdaqnews.com/ http://www.nasdaq.com/

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