Wednesday's Health Winners & Losers

Adeza (ADZA) was higher after an advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration recommended that its Gestiva be approved for marketing in the U.S. The advisory committee also recommended the collection of post-marketing clinical data on the drug, which is meant to prevent preterm births. Adeza rose 7.6% to $17.12.

Merge Technologies (MRGE) advanced on word the company has filed its 2005 10-K and its 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31. The company hasn't yet filed its quarterly report for the June quarter and has asked Nasdaq for an additional extension until Sept. 8. Shares of Merge were gaining 6.7% to $7.60.

Hana Biosciences (HNAB) added 2% after the Food and Drug Administration accepted its new drug application for Zensana oral spray for review. Hana wants to get Zensana cleared for preventing the nausea and vomiting that can follow chemotherapy, radiation and operations. Hana was up 14 cents at $7.29.

Biomira (BIOM) edged higher after it named Robert L. Kirkman as president and CEO and Christopher Henney as chairman. Biomira was up 1% to $1.12.

PDL BioPharma (PDLI) said Roche has discontinued its involvement in the development of daclizumab in asthma, which both companies had been co-developing since 2004. The decision has no effect on the companies' collaboration to develop daclizumab in transplant maintenance. They plan to proceed with Phase II studies for the transplant indication during 2007. PDL tacked on 1% to $19.68.

Abbott (ABT) completed the enrollment in a study designed to increase the clinical understanding of "vulnerable" plaque -- a lipid-rich coronary plaque that ruptures and is believed to be the cause of most heart attacks. The study enrolled 700 acute coronary syndrome patients receiving stents in the U.S. and Europe. Patients will be followed for at least two, and up to five, years. Shares of Abbott slipped 1.3% to $48.32.

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