Short Sellers Increase Bets in Major Biotech

The September 15 short interest data have been compared with the previous figures, and short interest in these selected stocks increased across the board for this settlement date.

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) saw its short interest jump to 10.4 million shares from the previous level of 9.24 million. Shares closed Thursday at $143.51, in a 52-week trading range of $127.67 to $181.81.

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) had its short interest rise to 4.59 million shares from the previous 3.86 million. Shares closed Thursday at $293.01, within a 52-week trading range of $265.00 to $480.18.

Celgene Corp. (NASDAQ: CELG) short interest for this settlement date increased to 14.95 million shares from the previous reading of 12.50 million. The mid-May level was the highest short interest reading year to date. Shares of Celgene closed Thursday at $113.88, in a 52-week range of $83.16 to $140.72.

Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) saw its short interest rise to 29.60 million shares, from 25.65 million in the previous period. The late July reading was the lowest of the year. Shares closed Thursday at $102.51, in a 52-week trading range of $85.95 to $123.37.

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MannKind Corp. (NASDAQ: MNKD) saw its short interest decrease very slightly to 126.66 million shares. The previous reading was 126.70 million. This is the second highest reading on the year. Shares closed Thursday at $3.46, in a 52-week trading range of $3.20 to $7.88.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) short interest increased to 6.66 million from the previous level of 5.39 million. The mid-June level was far and away the highest reading on the year, and since that time shares have backed off significantly. Shares closed Thursday at $157.05, in a 52-week range of $150.06 to $208.88.