Healthcare shares joined a broad increase in U.S. stock markets as bond yields stabilized around recent highs.

Novo Nordisk agreed to pay up to $1.3 billion to license and develop Swedish pharmaceutical company Nanexa's drug delivery technology in a deal that could cut the frequency that patients need to inject its obesity and diabetes drugs. Under the exclusive deal announced late Thursday, Novo has licensed Nanexa's technology in up to five development programs covering different drug administration frequencies, with the companies targeting monthly and quarterly administration.

Staar Surgical shares said its board authorized a $50 million share-buyback program. The vision-correction solutions company said the decision was based on the board's confidence in its business progress, as well as its strong balance sheet and free-cash-flow levels.

Ocugen said its treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, or RP, a type of genetic eye disorder, got provisional approval and priority designation from regulators in the Bahamas. Ocugen said it got the approval for OCU400 from the Larta Board, the regulatory agency responsible for reviewing and approving longevity and regenerative therapy programs in the Bahamas.