U.S. stock market midday update: FDA approval lifts GH Research up 14.42%, biotechnology sector shows strong recovery

U.S. Stock Market Midday Update GH Research rose 14.42%. Based on recent news, On January 5, GH Research announced that the FDA lifted the clinical hold on its GH001 new drug application. This approval allows the company to recruit subjects in the U.S. and advances its development process in major jurisdictions. Following this announcement, GH Research's stock price rose 42% in pre-market trading. On January 5, GH Research showed in a Phase 2b trial that its drug reduced the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score by 15.5 points on day 8. Patients experienced approximately 11 minutes of psychoactive experience, with most able to go home within an hour after administration. Following this announcement, GH Research's stock price increased by 28%. On January 5, GH Research's stock price showed a 34.52% increase in Benzinga Pro data, reaching $17.86. The biotechnology sector has performed strongly recently, with FDA approvals boosting stock prices. Top Stocks by Trading Volume in the Industry Eli Lilly rose 3.30%, with a trading volume of $2.308 billion. Based on recent key news: On January 7, Eli Lilly reached a collaboration agreement with Nimbus to develop a new oral therapy. This move enhanced market confidence in Eli Lilly's position in the metabolic disease field, driving the stock price up. On January 7, Eli Lilly was close to acquiring Ventyx Biosciences for over $1 billion, which stimulated market sentiment and further boosted Eli Lilly's stock price. On January 5, LEERINK PARTNERS raised Eli Lilly's target price to $123.4, reflecting analysts' optimism about the company's prospects. The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, with significant potential in the weight loss drug market. Johnson & Johnson rose 1.45%. Based on recent news: On January 7, Johnson & Johnson announced that its systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapy achieved its primary endpoint in a study and plans to initiate Phase 3 trials. This news boosted market confidence, driving the stock price up. On January 6, Johnson & Johnson reported positive results from its Phase 2b JASMINE study of nipocalimab in SLE patients, achieving both primary and secondary endpoints, with safety and tolerability consistent with previous studies. This news further enhanced investor confidence in the company's prospects. On January 6, Johnson & Johnson submitted an FDA application for the OTTAVA™ robotic surgical system, aimed at covering various abdominal surgeries. This development showcases the company's innovation capabilities in medical technology, boosting market sentiment. Innovations in medical technology and positive clinical trial results drove the stock price up Merck rose 1.24%, with increased trading volume. Based on recent key news: On January 5, Merck announced that its new drug Sotatercept was approved for market launch in the domestic market. This drug is the first activin signaling inhibitor therapy for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, achieving sales of $419 million within less than a year of its launch, becoming a new star in the company's performance and driving up the stock price. Source: Zhitong Finance On January 7, Merck completed its acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics for a total transaction amount of approximately $9.2 billion. This move will increase R&D expenses by about $9 billion in 2026, impacting earnings per share, but also demonstrates the company's expansion strategy in the antiviral drug field. Source: Caihua News On January 7, analysts raised Merck's target price to $120, an increase of 4.35%. Analysts hold an optimistic view on the company's prospects, driving up the stock price. Source: FactSet Industry innovative drugs approved, market confidence strengthened. Stocks ranked among the top in industry market capitalization AstraZeneca rose 0.68%. Based on recent key news: On January 7, AstraZeneca partnered with Bostongene to promote the development of oncology drugs, with the stock price rising by 5%. This collaboration utilizes Bostongene's AI platform to enhance oncology drug development capabilities, showing a positive impact on the market. Source: Benzinga On January 6, AstraZeneca's Saphnelo trial results showed significant improvement in systemic lupus erythematosus, with the stock price rising by 1.5%. This drug has been approved in over 70 countries worldwide, further consolidating its market potential. Source: Alliance News On January 5, Goldman Sachs removed AstraZeneca from its European conviction buy list, which may have a certain impact on investor confidence. Source: Benzinga The international development of pharmaceutical companies is accelerating, and the trend of innovative drug platformization is evident