Anktiva (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln) is an IL-15 receptor agonist immunotherapy administered intravesically with BCG for selected BCG-unresponsive nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. It is a U.S.-approved prescription drug with initial U.S. approval in 2024. The agent activates NK and T-cell immune responses through IL-15 receptor signaling.
ImmunityBio said the FDA accepted its sBLA for ANKTIVA plus BCG in BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with papillary disease. The PDUFA date is Jan. 6, 2027.
ImmunityBio said the Saudi FDA encouraged submission of a regulatory package for recombinant BCG and opened talks on expanding ANKTIVA with checkpoint inhibitors to additional tumor types. The company expects to file the rBCG package within weeks.
ImmunityBio has commercially launched ANKTIVA in Saudi Arabia for approved bladder and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer indications. The launch follows accelerated approval in lung cancer and extends the drug’s commercial rollout in MENA.
Moderna and Merck advance a Phase 2 trial of mRNA cancer vaccine V940 with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy for metastatic squamous NSCLC. In biliary tract cancer, first-line treatment combines chemotherapy with immunotherapy, while targeted therapy resistance prompts liquid biopsy. ImmunityBio tests a chemotherapy-free NK-cell regimen in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has updated its bladder cancer guidelines to include ImmunityBio's Anktiva plus BCG for BCG-unresponsive papillary-only disease. The Category 2A recommendation expands treatment options beyond the drug's initial FDA approval for carcinoma in situ. ImmunityBio also announced its pivotal trial is adequately powered and European distribution partnerships to expand global access.
ImmunityBio reported a fivefold revenue increase to $38.29 million, driven by a 750% surge in unit sales of its cancer drug Anktiva. The company is expanding internationally through partnerships in the Middle East and preparing additional FDA submissions for Anktiva's broader use.
ImmunityBio resubmitted its supplemental BLA to the FDA for ANKTIVA in papillary bladder cancer after providing additional data. The company also received encouragement from Saudi regulators to submit a recombinant BCG application and expand ANKTIVA approvals.
The immuno-oncology market is projected to grow from $65.22 billion in 2025 to $170.19 billion by 2032, driven by checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and cancer vaccines, with North America commanding 43% market share.
ImmunityBio establishes wholly owned subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to distribute Anktiva for bladder and lung cancer across MENA region, following world's first lung cancer approval in the Kingdom less than a year after May 2025 meeting.
ImmunityBio completed enrollment of 366 patients in its Phase 2 trial of ANKTIVA plus BCG versus BCG alone for BCG-naïve bladder cancer. Interim analysis showed statistically significant improvement in duration of complete response, with the company anticipating a BLA submission by Q4 2026.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07123727 |
A Study to Examine Anktiva for the Treatment of COVID-19. |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
