EF Hutton initiates coverage on ImmunityBio Inc. (IBRX) with a Buy rating and a $30 price target, citing the potential of its Anktiva drug to revolutionize cancer immunotherapy. Anktiva has shown promising results in treating BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and has also demonstrated the ability to enhance the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
ImmunityBio has announced the FDA’s approval of ANKTIVA for treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) who have not responded to BCG therapy. This approval marks the company’s transition to a commercial biotech with the potential to generate revenue. Additionally, it unlocks expansion opportunities for ANKTIVA in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). Despite the risks associated with competition and the need for further clinical trials, the FDA approval and potential expansions present promising investment opportunities.
ImmunityBio’s Anktiva has received FDA approval for treating BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), marking a significant milestone for the company. The approval follows a successful trial, showing a 62% complete response rate and a 58% duration of response at 12 months. Anktiva enters a competitive market with existing treatments like Keytruda and Adstiladrin, and emerging therapies like TAR-200 and CG0070 showing promise. Despite the approval, ImmunityBio’s $3 billion enterprise value is seen as optimistic given the competitive landscape and financial challenges facing the company. Analysts anticipate sales of $84 million and $197 million in 2025 and 2026 respectively, but beyond that, Anktiva’s potential remains uncertain due to the upcoming fierce competition.
The FDA has approved ImmunityBio’s Anktiva in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS). Anktiva, a first-in-class IL-15 agonist immunotherapy, received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation and approval based on its high complete response rate (62%) and long duration of complete response (over 47 months). The approval marks a significant milestone for ImmunityBio and the field of immunotherapy in bladder cancer treatment.
