European equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts kicked off the trading week higher late Monday morning, rising 0.50% to 1,465.31 on the S&P Europe Select ADR Index.

From continental Europe, the gainers were led by biotech firm BioNTech (BNTX) and pharmaceutical company Ascendis Pharma (ASND), which surged 18% and 6.9% respectively. They were followed by biotech firm Evaxion (EVAX) and furniture maker Natuzzi (NTZ), which increased 4.9% and 3.8% respectively.

The decliners from continental Europe were led by biopharmaceutical company DBV Technologies (DBVT) and internet browser company Opera (OPRA), which dropped 3.4% and 2.3% respectively. They were followed by electronics conglomerate Royal Philips (PHG) and Unilever (UL), which lost 1.6% and 0.6% respectively.

From the UK and Ireland, the gainers were led by biopharmaceutical companies Mereo BioPharma Group (MREO) and Amarin (AMRN), which rose 4% and 3% respectively. They were followed by biopharmaceutical companies Verona Pharma (VRNA) and Bicycle Therapeutics (BCYC), which were up 2.6% and 2.3% respectively.

The decliners from the UK and Ireland were led by pharmaceutical company Silence Therapeutics (SLN) and communications group WPP (WPP), which fell 2.7% and 2.4% respectively. They were followed by software firm Endava (DAVA) and biopharmaceutical company Adaptimmune Therapeutics, which were down (ADAP) 2.1% and 1.3% respectively.