---
title: "U.S. Stock Market Midday Update: Nektar Therapeutics up 8.95%"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/248040872.md"
description: "Nektar Therapeutics rose 8.95%; Verona Pharma rose 0.12%, with a transaction volume of USD 1.315 billion; Eli Lilly rose 1.03%, with a transaction volume of USD 1.209 billion; Merck rose 1.09%, with a transaction volume of USD 616 million; Johnson & Johnson rose 0.89%, with a market capitalization of USD 379.4 billion"
datetime: "2025-07-10T17:32:32.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/248040872.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/248040872.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/248040872.md)
generator: "portal-rs"
---

# U.S. Stock Market Midday Update: Nektar Therapeutics up 8.95%

**U.S. Stock Market Midday Update**

Nektar Therapeutics rose 8.95%, with increased trading volume. Based on recent important news:

1.  On July 9, B. Riley Securities raised the target price for Nektar Therapeutics from $60 to $85, driving the stock price up by 8.95%.

2.  On July 8, Innovent Biologics received an upgrade from Daiwa to a target price of HKD 95, indicating a positive trend in the biotechnology industry.

3.  On July 8, Zhuoran Co., Ltd. sold subsidiary equity to optimize its asset structure and enhance company competitiveness.

**Stocks with High Trading Volume in the Industry**

Verona Pharma rose 0.12%, with a trading volume of 1.315 billion. Based on recent important news:

1.  On July 9, Merck announced the acquisition of Verona for approximately $10 billion, which caused the stock price to surge over 20% in pre-market trading.

2.  On July 9, Verona's Ohtuvayre drug received FDA approval for COPD treatment, boosting market confidence.

3.  On July 9, analysts set a target price of $117.92 for Verona, indicating a potential upside of about 30%.

Eli Lilly rose 1.03%, with increased trading volume. Based on recent important news:

1.  On July 9, Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug Kisunla received FDA approval for updated labeling, with a new dosing regimen reducing the incidence of adverse events by 41%, driving the stock price up.

2.  On July 8, Eli Lilly's diversified product line showed a 100% fat loss rate in clinical trials for Bimagrumab, enhancing market confidence.

3.  On July 10, Morgan Stanley raised Eli Lilly's target stock price to $113.5, maintaining an overweight rating.

Merck rose 1.09%, with increased trading volume. Based on recent important news:

1.  On July 9, Merck announced the acquisition of Verona Pharma for approximately $10 billion, aimed at strengthening its respiratory treatment business. This news pushed the stock price up by 1.09%.

2.  On July 9, Verona Pharma's Ohtuvayre drug received FDA approval last year, with projected annual revenue reaching $2.6 billion by 2030, enhancing Merck's product line.

3.  On July 9, analysts expect Ohtuvayre's annual sales to exceed $3 billion, with Merck's diversification strategy gaining market recognition.

**Stocks with High Market Capitalization in the Industry**

Johnson & Johnson rose 0.89%, with a market capitalization of $379.4 billion. Based on recent important news:

1.  On July 9, the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals supported Johnson & Johnson in winning a patent dispute with Viatris and Teva Pharmaceuticals, blocking the launch of generic drugs, which drove the stock price up.

2.  On July 10, Morgan Stanley raised Johnson & Johnson's target price to $171, enhancing market confidence On July 9th, Johnson & Johnson raised its revenue forecast for 2025, expecting a growth of 3%, boosting investor sentiment

### Related Stocks

- [NKTR.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/NKTR.US.md)
- [VRNA.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/VRNA.US.md)
- [LLY.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/LLY.US.md)
- [MRK.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/MRK.US.md)
- [JNJ.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/JNJ.US.md)

## Related News & Research

- [Hornbeck Offshore Services (NYSE:HOS) Upgraded to Buy at Wall Street Zen](https://longbridge.com/en/news/303846753.md)
- [Further Asset Management Taps Chainlink ACE for Abu Dhabi Compliance Platform](https://longbridge.com/en/news/303842407.md)
- [HMRC coming for footballers and will scour Instagram for tax intel](https://longbridge.com/en/news/303846685.md)
- [What Cognex Doubters Got Wrong](https://longbridge.com/en/news/303846666.md)
- [Live Oak Bancshares (LOB) Could Be 21% Undervalued As Charge Offs Rise](https://longbridge.com/en/news/303842378.md)

---
> **Disclaimer: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.**