Semi-Annual Changes to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

NEW YORK, Nov 9, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ") (Nasdaq:NDAQ) announced today the results of the semi-annual re-ranking of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index(r) (Nasdaq:NBI), which will become effective with the market open on Monday, November 19, 2007.

The re-ranking will result in 8 securities being added to the Index. All securities are classified according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical. The securities that meet the classification criteria then must meet other Index eligibility criteria including listing on the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Global Select Market and meeting minimum requirements for market value, average daily share volume and seasoning as a public company. The Index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November. For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including eligibility criteria, visit www.NASDAQ.com.

As a result of the re-ranking, Avanir Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:AVNR), Genta Inc. (Nasdaq:GNTA), Hollis-Eden Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:HEPH), NeoPharm Inc. (Nasdaq:NEOL), Northfield Labs Inc. (Nasdaq:NFLD), Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq:OSCI) and Pharmacyclics Inc. (Nasdaq:PCYC), will be removed from the Index.

The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is the basis for the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index(sm) Fund (AMEX:IBB), which seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges.

NASDAQ is the largest U.S. electronic equities exchange. With approximately 3,100 companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares per day than any other U.S. electronic market. It is home to companies that are leaders across all areas of business including technology, retail, communications, financial services, transportation, media and biotechnology. NASDAQ is the primary market for trading NASDAQ-listed stocks as well as a leading liquidity pool for trading NYSE-listed stocks. For more information about NASDAQ, visit the NASDAQ Web site at www.nasdaq.com or the NASDAQ Newsroom at www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/.

The Industry Classification Benchmark ("ICB") is jointly owned by FTSE International Limited ("FTSE") and Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

FTSE(tm) is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Plc and The Financial Times Limited and is used by FTSE International Limited under license.

"Dow Jones" and "DJ" are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company Inc.

iShares are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. Barclays Global Fund Advisors serves as an advisor to iShares and is a subsidiary of Barclays Global Investors, N.A., neither of which is affiliated with SEI. For a prospectus, call 1-800-iSHARES (1-800-474-2737).

 IShares are not FDIC Insured.
 Have No Bank Guarantee.
 May Lose Value.

Company Briefs

Beijing Med-Pharm Corporation (Nasdaq:BJGP) distributes pharmaceutical products to hospitals and doctors within Mainland China. The Company also promotes through physicians, drugs manufactured by international and domestic pharmaceutical companies. In addition, Beijing Med-Pharm provides clinical services for pharmaceutical product manufacturers for prescription and over-the-counter products.

Cadence Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:CADX) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing product candidates principally for use in the hospital setting. The Company currently has two products in development for the treatment of acute pain and fever, and for the prevention of catheter-related infections.

Eurand N.V. (Nasdaq:EURX) is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes enhanced pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products. The Company develops drug products in a diverse range of therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, pain, nutrition and respiratory. Eurand has had four products approved by the FDA since 2001 and has a pipeline of product candidates in development for itself and its collaboration partners.

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:HALO) is a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing products based on the extracellular matrix for the drug delivery, oncology and dermatology markets. The company's portfolio of products is based on intellectual property covering the family of human enzymes know as hyaluronidases.

Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (Nasdaq:OMPI) develops skin care pharmaceuticals. The Company develops prescription topical treatments for premature aging, photo-damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, and soft tissue deficits such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:OREX) is a biopharmaceutical company. The Company is focused on the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of the central nervous system, or CNS, disorders with an initial focus on obesity.

Sequenom, Inc. (Nasdaq:SQNM) is a genomics company. The Company provides genetic analysis products that translate genomic science into solutions for biomedical research, agricultural applications, molecular medicine and non-invasive prenatal diagnostics research.

Theravance, Inc. (Nasdaq:THRX) is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and markets small molecule medicines for unmet medical needs across a number of therapeutic areas including respiratory disease, bacterial infections and gastrointestinal motility dysfunction.

NDAQG

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SOURCE: The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.

The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
          Media Contact: 
          Wayne Lee
            301.978.4875
          Issuer and Investor Contact: 
          Lisa Chaney
            301.978.8281

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