The short interest data are out for the July 31 settlement date. Biotech companies are considered a riskier group of stocks, with big upside and big downside. FDA rulings can make or break them. A single failed clinical trial can mean disaster for a stock. 24/7 Wall St. has reviewed the top biotech companies, without focusing on speculative companies.

The July 31 short interest data have been compared with the previous figures, and overall, short interest in the selected stocks backed off for this settlement date.

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) saw its short interest continue to back off to 8.58 million shares from the previous level of 9.09 million. Shares closed Tuesday at $168.56, in a 52-week trading range of $124.81 to $181.81.

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) saw its short interest fall to 2.36 million shares from the previous 2.60 million. The company was slowly approaching the lower part of its short interest range from back in November. Shares closed Tuesday at $314.87, within a 52-week trading range of $290.85 to $480.18.

Celgene Corp. (NASDAQ: CELG) short interest for this settlement date decreased to 11.21 million shares from the previous reading of 14.22 million. Since March, Celgene has recorded a few of its highest readings of the year, but now short sellers appear to be backing off. The mid-May level was the highest short interest reading on the year. Shares of Celgene closed Tuesday at $130.66, in a 52-week range of $83.16 to $140.72.

Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) saw its short interest fall to 18.74 million shares, from 20.61 million in the previous period. This is currently the lowest reading on the year. Shares closed Tuesday at $115.61, in a 52-week trading range of $85.95 to $123.37.

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MannKind Corp. (NASDAQ: MNKD) saw its short interest increase to 116.06 million shares. The previous reading was 112.85 million. Shares closed Tuesday at $4.16, in a 52-week trading range of $3.46 to $7.88.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) short interest decreased to 4.89 million, from the previous level of 6.29 million. The mid-June level is far and away the highest reading on the year, followed by the previous reading. Shares closed Tuesday at $186.31, in a 52-week range of $150.06 to $208.88.

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