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Shine a Light on Healthcare ETFs Amid National Alzheimer's Awareness Month
ZACKS· 2025-11-13 14:11
Core Insights - November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in the U.S., highlighting the significance of the disease and the growing relevance of disease-modifying treatments [1] - The healthcare sector, particularly companies focused on Alzheimer's, presents a compelling investment opportunity through Healthcare exchange-traded funds (ETFs) [2] Group 1: Alzheimer's Drug Innovation - Eli Lilly's drug Kisunla (donanemab) received FDA approval in July 2024, showing a 22% slowing of clinical progression in treated patients, equating to a 1.4-month delay in disease progression [5] - Biogen, in collaboration with Eisai, launched Leqembi in 2023, which also gained full FDA approval [5] - Other significant players include Johnson & Johnson, developing two Alzheimer's medicines, and AbbVie, with its investigational drug ALIA-1758 [6] Group 2: Impact on Healthcare ETFs - The success of Alzheimer's therapies is crucial for the revenue and stock performance of companies like Eli Lilly and Biogen, making them key components in many healthcare ETFs [7] - The Dow Jones U.S. Health Care Index has increased by over 9% year to date, reflecting positive momentum from stocks like Eli Lilly and Biogen [8] Group 3: Government Support and Funding - The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee proposed a $100 million increase for Alzheimer's and dementia research at the NIH for fiscal year 2026, indicating sustained government commitment to the biopharma sector [9] Group 4: Recommended Healthcare ETFs - Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) has net assets of $16.2 billion, with top holdings including Eli Lilly (10.33%) and AbbVie (5.76%), and has surged 13.4% year to date [10][11] - First Trust NASDAQ Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) has net assets of $18.9 million, with top holdings including AbbVie (7.14%) and Johnson & Johnson (7.07%), rising 18.2% year to date [12] - Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) has assets worth $38.79 billion, with Eli Lilly (14.36%) and Johnson & Johnson (8.53%) as top holdings, increasing by 12.6% year to date [13] - iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN) has net assets of $4.38 million, with Biogen (4.04%) among its top holdings, and has surged 15.1% year to date [14]