Tuesday's Health Winners and Losers

Cell Therapeutics' (CTIC Quote) shares gained 7% after the cancer-drug developer said its second-quarter loss narrowed.

The Seattle-based company lost $21 million, or 20 cents a share, compared with a year-ago loss of $36.2 million, or 57 cents a share. Analysts were expecting a loss of 25 cents a share. The company didn't record any product sales in the quarter, compared with $7.4 million a year ago. Revenue from licensing and contracts fell to $20,000 from $96,000 a year ago.

Preliminary clinical-trial results from 40 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma also boosted Cell Therapeutics shares Tuesday. A phase III trial on its drug pixantrone produced "encouraging" results that support the continuation and expansion of the trial, the company said in a press release. Phase III is the stage of trials conducted just before a drug is submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for marketing approval. Shares were up 9 cents to $1.33.

Shares of inVentiv Health(VTIV Quote) rose 11% after earnings exceeded analysts' estimates. The pharmaceuticals service provider made 66 cents a share in the second quarter, including 30 cents a share in tax benefits. inVentiv earned 32 cents a share in the second quarter of last year.

Excluding certain one-time items, the company earned 37 cents a share, compared with analysts' estimates of 32 cents a share. Revenue was up 39% to $183 million, compared with the $181.3 million analysts were expecting. Shares were up $3.01 to $30.

Salix Pharmaceuticals'(SLXP Quote) shares rose 9% on a positive earnings report.

The gastrointestinal drug developer earned $6.9 million, or 14 cents a share, during the second quarter. Excluding certain charges, earnings were $7.8 million, or 16 cents a share. Analysts were expecting earnings of 15 cents a share.

Revenue rose 51% from a year ago to $52.9 million, thanks partly to Xifaxan prescription growth of 122% over the prior year. Xifaxan is indicated for the treatment of travelers' diarrhea associated with the bacteria Escherichia coli. Analysts were expecting revenue of $51 million. Shares gained 95 cents to $11.34.

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