Biotechnology stocks mounted a modest comeback Wednesdayfrom the previous day's deep swoon. The AMEX BiotechnologyStock Index gained 2.58 to close at 142.46 and the CBOE(Chicago Board of Option Exchange) Index was up 1.56 to135.77.

Emisphere Technologies (EMIS) rose $1.50 a share to $15 aftera First Albany Corp. analyst issued a buy recommendation onthe basis of the stock's recent weakness.

Chiron Corp. (CHIR) posted a second-day climb, rising $1.75 ashare to close at $49. Other gaining issues were: GeneticsInstitute Inc. (GTII), up $1.75 to $29.75; Immunex Corp.(IMNX), up $1.13 to $37.63; and Agouron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(AGPH) rising $1 to $11.38.

Losing issues included Alteon Inc. (ALTN), which fell $1 a shareto $10; Aphton Corp. (APHT), down $1.50 to $20.25; andSomatogen (SMTG), off 75 cents a share to $15.25.

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