IBRX Stock Set To Snap 2 Days Of Losses? Anktiva Back In Focus Ahead Of COVID-Cancer Link Data

• Founder Patrick Soon-Shiong flagged incoming data linking COVID-related immune cell loss to breast cancer spread.
• The update spotlights Anktiva, which activates natural killer cells and CD8 T cells.
• ImmunityBio recently secured about $100 million in financing amid its European rollout plans under an “immunotherapy 2.0” strategy.

ImmunityBio, Inc. (IBRX) shares rose 6% in premarket trading on Wednesday after founder Patrick Soon-Shiong said incoming data validating a link between COVID-related immune cell loss and breast cancer spread will be presented at a cancer summit next week, drawing fresh attention to the drugmaker’s immunotherapy Anktiva.

IBRX stock fell over 3% on Tuesday following a similar drop on Monday, but jumped 4% in extended trading. 

IBRX Stock Gains Ahead Of Incoming Cancer Data Next Week

Soon-Shiong said that clinicians at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Mount Sinai Health System are reporting observations linking lymphopenia, or reduced immune cell levels, and COVID infection with increasing incidence of metastatic disease and cancer recurrence in patients previously in remission. 

“Sadly, our concerns of the increasing incidence of metastatic disease and recurrences of patients in remission following Covid and worse with lymphopenia is being validated,” he said on X, adding that the data will be presented at the April 17-22 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) summit.

The update is notable because Anktiva stimulates natural killer cells and CD8 T cells, which help the body eliminate virus-infected cells and cancer cells. ImmunityBio is already evaluating the therapy in a Phase 2 study in patients with persistent symptoms following COVID infection, testing whether restoring these immune cells can correct the underlying immune imbalance.

Originally approved in 2024 for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer that no longer responds to standard BCG therapy, Anktiva has since expanded into studies across non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and glioblastoma, as well as severe pneumonia, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Europe Rollout Push For ImmunityBio’s Anktiva

Momentum around Anktiva strengthened after the European Commission recently granted conditional marketing authorization across 27 European Union member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, extending its reach to 33 countries globally, including the U.S. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) also added Anktiva with BCG as an “other recommended” option for papillary bladder cancer that no longer responds to standard therapy.

Soon-Shiong said this week that the company’s “Europe campaign begins today,” after ImmunityBio secured $100 million in financing through a $75 million draw under its Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement with Oberland Capital and a $25 million debt conversion by Nant Capital, which was also founded by the founder. 

The financing strengthens the balance sheet amid plans to roll out its natural killer cell- and CD8 T-cell-based therapies in Europe under an emerging “immunotherapy 2.0” strategy.

How Do Retail Traders Feel About IBRX?

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for IBRX has remained in the ‘bearish’ territory over the past 6 months amid ‘low’ message volume.

One user said, “Good day to release the Europe PR today. Use the momentum.”

Another user echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “A nice juicy pr tomorrow regarding EU launch would be added rocket fuel.”

IBRX stock has jumped over 150% over the past year. 

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