The markets opened modestly lower with the Dow slipping 3 points to 21,111 as investors locked in profits. Nasdaq lost 10 points to 5,893.
On the upside
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: AUPH) reported positive results from a Phase IIb AURA-LV study in lupus nephritis.
MYOS RENS Technology (Nasdaq: MYOS) launched its Qurr line of muscle focused, natural, over the counter products to increase muscle size and lean body mass.
Monster Beverage (Nasdaq: MNST) reported higher fourth quarter earnings that beat analyst expectations and announced a $500 million stock repurchase program.
On the downside
Puma Biotechnology (Nasdaq: PBYI) widened losses for the fourth quarter.
PTC Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PTCT) reported disappointing results from a Phase 3 clinical trial of ataluren to treat nonsense mutation cystic fibrosis.
Opko Health (Nasdaq: OPK) fell to a greater than expected loss for the fourth quarter.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 5 to 2 on the NYSE and by more than 5 to 3 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index lost 4 points to 2,391. Bitcoin climbed $18 to $1,232.
