Three Research Triangle area biotech companies - Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inspire Pharmaceuticals and POZEN - were incorporated into the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index effective on Nov. 24. Salix (www.salix.com), Inspire (www.inspirepharm.com) and POZEN (www.pozen.com) join Durham-based Trimeris (www.trimeris.com), which was already on the list. NASDAQ's Biotechnology Index includes companies primarily engaged in using biomedical research for the discovery or development of novel treatments or cures for human disease.
All securities in NASDAQ's Biotechnology Index must be listed on the NASDAQ National Market and meet minimum requirements for market value (at least $200 million), average daily share volume (at least 100,000 shares) and listing on a recognized market for at least six months. The Index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November.
Salix, Inspire, POZEN and Trimeris are all long-time CED members.