Health care stocks increased late Monday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) each adding 0.2%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was shedding 0.3%.

In corporate news, Viatris (VTRS) shares rose 2.6% after it said Monday that the US Food and Drug Administration approved its iron sucrose injection to treat iron deficiency anemia in adult and pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease.

Novartis (NVS) and Roche executives are due to meet with Swiss government officials this week as President Donald Trump urges pharmaceutical firms to lower their prices in the US, Reuters reported. Economy Minister Guy Parmelin and Health Minister Elizabeth Baume-Schneider will meet with executives of the two drug makers as well as other companies, the report said. Novartis shares gained 1.2%.

Avantor (AVTR) said Monday that its board remains committed to driving growth, expanding margins and creating sustained shareholder value in response to activist investor Engine Capital's call to explore options, including a sale or restructuring. Avantor shares climbed 5.4%.

RadNet (RDNT) shares jumped nearly 18% after it posted improved Q2 results that topped analysts' estimates.