Drug Makers Higher On Health Care Reform (PFE, MRK, TEVA, more...)

Both branded and generic drug makers are winners today following the approval of the health care reform bill by the House.

Branded Drugs: Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) +1.2%, Merck (NYSE: MRK) +2%, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) +1.9%, Bristol-Myers (NYSE: BMY) +0.7%, Astrazeneca PLC Common Stock (NYSE: AZN) +1.8%.

While fees will rise to $80 billion, broader insurance coverage is seen as a positive for the drug makers. In addition, branded drugs are given 12-year exclusivity, versus the 5-7 years that had been sought. Analysts are calling the bill "neutral" to the branded drug makers.

Generic Drugs:Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Nasdaq: TEVA) +1.4%, Mylan (NYSE: MYL) +1.2%, Forest Labs (NYSE: FRX) +1.4%.

While the generics won't get access to blockbuster drugs early, the wider insurance coverage is seen as a positive.

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