Ebola drugs to be fast-tracked in W. Africa; Ascena Retail shares tumble; Philips to split

Here is a look at some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today

Tekmira  Pharmaceuticals (TKMR) and Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT) are in the spotlight this morning after a global health charity, the Wellcome Trust, announced a $5.25 million grant to fund clinical trials in West Africa for several experimental Ebola drugs, including treatments from Tekmira, Sarepta and Mapp Biopharmaceutical. Separately, the U.S.  Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada have approved the use of Tekmira's experimental Ebola drug (TKM-Ebola) for use in patients with serious diseases who cannot participate in controlled clinical trials. The Ebola epidemic has killed more than 2,800 people in West Africa since it began in Guinea earlier this year.

Ascena Retail Group (ASNA) shares fell in early trading. The owner of clothing chains such as Dress Barn and Lane Bryant issued a weaker-than-expected outlook for the full year after it reported earnings and revenue that missed analysts' expectations. The company blamed the weakness on “challenging tween market conditions” for its Justice brand and inventory issues at Lane Bryant.

Philips (PHG) shares rose ahead of the bell. The Dutch electronics conglomerate said it would split the 120-year old company into two, separating its lighting unit from its healthcare and technology division. Both companies will continue to use the Philips brand and will be based in the Netherlands. The move is the latest effort by the company to streamline its operations.