- Executive chairman Patrick Soon-Shiong highlighted early immune activation data from an Anktiva study.
- Anktiva was also added to Macau’s drug list and included in updated NCCN guidelines for papillary bladder cancer.
- ImmunityBio has resubmitted its FDA application for label expansion, while advancing lung cancer trials and expanding global approvals.
Shares of ImmunityBio, Inc. (IBRX) posted modest gains in premarket trading on Friday after executive chairman and founder Patrick Soon-Shiong flagged early immune data from an Anktiva study, adding to momentum from recent regulatory and global developments.
IBRX stock has gained over 5% this week, snapping a two-week losing streak that had erased nearly 15% of its value.
Early Anktiva Data Shows Immune Activation
Soon-Shiong said in a post on X that initial analysis from the first 20 subjects showed immune activation with Anktiva in combination with the company’s adenovirus-based cancer vaccine. The trial has enrolled 138 patients randomized to the combination or placebo. Data generated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute team showed confirmation of Anktiva’s immune-stimulating effect on absolute lymphocyte count.
He added that baseline lymphocyte levels decline with age but appear to increase with Anktiva, citing research linking low levels to reduced lifespan. Soon-Shion also added that cancer vaccine trials are ongoing.
Anktiva Gains Macau Listing, NCCN Backing
The update comes as Anktiva was added to Macau’s latest approved drug list as a bladder cancer treatment. The inclusion places it alongside therapies from Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences and Moderna.
In the U.S., the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) added Anktiva with BCG as an “other recommended” option for papillary bladder cancer that no longer responds to BCG, expanding its use beyond carcinoma in situ.
Anktiva Pipeline Expands With Strong Data
ImmunityBio has resubmitted its application to expand Anktiva’s label to papillary bladder cancer after a prior refusal-to-file. In the Phase 2/3 Quilt 3.032 study, 58.2% of patients remained cancer-free at 12 months, while more than 80% avoided bladder removal surgery over three years, according to the company.
The therapy is also being studied in lung cancer, with two pivotal trials underway, and has received authorizations in the U.K., Europe and Saudi Arabia.
How Did Stocktwits Users React?
On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for IBRX slid to ‘bearish’ from the ‘extremely bullish’ zone over the past three months amid over a 300% surge in message volumes over the same period.
One user said, The market prices a bladder cancer drug. NCI just showed data proving it works on immune decline in people without cancer.”
Another user said, “Anktiva is heading towards becoming universal cancer vaccine! Lynch syndrome is the proof of concept!”
IBRX stock has more than tripled over the past year.
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