Semi-Annual Changes to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

Semi-Annual Changes to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index 


NEW YORK, May 13  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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, May 23, 2005.

The re-ranking will result in 10 securities being added to the Index.  All
securities are classified according to the FTSE Global Classification
System(TM) as biotechnology or pharmaceutical.  The securities that meet the
classification criteria then must meet other Index eligibility criteria
including listing on the NASDAQ National Market(R) 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 http://www.nasdaq.com/.

As a result of the re-ranking, Avigen Inc (NASDAQ:AVGN), EXACT Sciences
Corporation (NASDAQ:EXAS), Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. (NASDAQ:FMTI), Gen-Probe
Incorporated (NASDAQ:GPRO), and Maxim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAXM) 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
generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ
Biotechnology Index before fees and expenses.  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 stock market. With approximately 3,200
companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares per day
than any other U.S. 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. For more information about NASDAQ, visit the
NASDAQ Web site at http://www.nasdaq.com/ or the NASDAQ Newsroom at
http://www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/.

The FTSE Global Classification System is compiled by FTSE International
Limited. (C)FTSE International Limited 2004.

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.

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



Barrier Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:BTRX) is a pharmaceutical company focused on
the discovery, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products in
the field of dermatology.

Cardiome Pharma Corp. (NASDAQ:CRME) is a life sciences company focused on
developing proprietary drugs to treat or prevent cardiovascular diseases.

DRAXIS Health Inc. (NASDAQ:DRAX) is a specialty pharmaceutical company
providing products in three categories; sterile pharmaceuticals, non-sterile
specialty pharmaceuticals, and radiopharmaceuticals.

Genitope Corporation (NASDAQ:GTOP) is a biotechnology company focused on the
research and development of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer.

Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDIX) is a biopharmaceutical company
engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs for the
treatment of human viral and other infectious diseases.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISTA) is a specialty pharmaceutical company
focused on the commercialization and development of proprietary therapeutic
products that treat diseases and disorders of the eye.

MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:MNKD) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on
the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic products for
diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PGNX) is a biopharmaceutical company
focusing on the development and commercialization of products for the treatment
of HIV infection and cancer.

Tercica, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRCA) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the
development and commercialization of new therapeutics for the treatment of
short stature and other related metabolic disorders.

ViroLogic, Inc. (NASDAQ:VLGC) is a biotechnology company that discovers,
develops and markets products to guide and improve treatment of serious
infectious diseases and cancer. 

DATASOURCE: NASDAQ



CONTACT:  Media Contact: Wayne Lee, [phone], or Issuer and

Investor Contact: Lisa Chaney, [phone], both of NASDAQ



Web site:  http://www.nasdaqnews.com/

http://www.nasdaq.com/ 

Copyright