Semi-Annual Changes to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (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, November 23, 2009.

The re-ranking will result in the following eight securities being added to the Index:

China Sky One Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSKI), Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co., Inc. (Nasdaq:HITK), Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PARD), SIGA Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGA), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI), Targacept, Inc. (Nasdaq:TRGT), Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL), and Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:VNDA).

All securities are classified according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical. The securities that meet the classification criteria then must meet other Index eligibility criteria including listing on the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Global Select Market 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 https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/.

As a result of the re-ranking, Matrixx Initiatives, Inc (Nasdaq:MTXX) will be removed from the Index.

The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is the basis for the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index(SM) Fund (IBB), which seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges.

About NASDAQ OMX Global Index Group

NASDAQ OMX Global Index Group is engaged in the design, development, calculation, licensing, and marketing of NASDAQ OMX Indexes. NASDAQ OMX Global Index Group specializes in the development of indexes focusing on NASDAQ OMX's brand themes of innovation, technology, growth, and globalization. NASDAQ OMX Global Index Group also provides custom index services and design solutions as a third-party provider to selected financial organizations. For more information about NASDAQ OMX indexes, visit https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/.

About NASDAQ OMX

The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. is the world's largest exchange company. It delivers trading, exchange technology and public company services across six continents, with over 3,700 listed companies. NASDAQ OMX offers multiple capital raising solutions to companies around the globe, including its U.S. listings market, NASDAQ OMX Nordic, NASDAQ OMX Baltic, NASDAQ OMX First North, and the U.S. 144A sector. The company offers trading across multiple asset classes including equities, derivatives, debt, commodities, structured products and exchange-traded funds. NASDAQ OMX technology supports the operations of over 70 exchanges, clearing organizations and central securities depositories in more than 50 countries. NASDAQ OMX Nordic and NASDAQ OMX Baltic are not legal entities but describe the common offering from NASDAQ OMX exchanges in Helsinki, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Iceland, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. For more information about NASDAQ OMX, visit http://www.nasdaqomx.com. *Please follow NASDAQ OMX on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/NASDAQ-OMX/108167527653) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/nasdaqomx).

The Industry Classification Benchmark ("ICB") is jointly owned by FTSE International Limited ("FTSE") and Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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.

"Dow Jones" and "DJ" are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company Inc.

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.

NDAQO

CONTACT: The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. Media Contact: Wayne Lee +1.301.978.4875 Issuer & Investor Contact: Lisa Chaney +1.301.978.8281

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