01:50 PM EDT, 05/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks rose Monday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) each adding 0.7%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) increased 0.7%.

In corporate news, Novavax ( NVAX ) shares jumped 17%. The company said Monday it received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for its Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine in adults 65 years and older, and individuals 12 through 64 years with at least one underlying condition.

Protagenic Therapeutics ( PTIX ) and Phytanix Bio said Monday that they have agreed to combine in an all-stock deal. Protagenic shares surged 264%.

Aditxt ( ADTX ) shares rose 5% after it said Monday it will terminate its merger agreement with Appili Therapeutics, with plans of formal notification expected on May 31.

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics ( BCLI ) said Monday the US Food and Drug Administration has authorized the company to launch a phase 3b trial of NurOwn for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BrainStorm shares gained 5.4%.