IBRX Stock Poised for Breakout Quarter: Anktiva Launches Phase 2 Long COVID Trial Amid European Expansion Plans
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 30 2026
0mins
Source: stocktwits
Phase 2 Long COVID Study Launch: The company has initiated a Phase 2 study to assess the effectiveness of Anktiva in improving recovery from long COVID by restoring immune cells, with plans to enroll about 20 participants and complete the study by October.
Expansion Beyond Cancer: Anktiva's platform has expanded its applications beyond cancer treatments to include severe pneumonia, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, indicating a broader potential for immune activation therapies.
Stock Performance and Market Sentiment: Shares of ImmunityBio (IBRX) have surged over 270% this year, significantly outperforming the S&P Biotech ETF, reflecting positive market sentiment and renewed interest in the company's therapies.
Regulatory Progress and Future Plans: The therapy has been added to approved drug lists for bladder cancer and is being positioned as a recommended option for patients who do not respond to standard therapies, with ongoing efforts to expand its use in various diseases.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy IBRX?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on IBRX
Wall Street analysts forecast IBRX stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 9.200
Low
5.00
Averages
7.33
High
9.00
Current: 9.200
Low
5.00
Averages
7.33
High
9.00
About IBRX
Immunitybio, Inc. is a vertically integrated, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies and vaccines that bolster the natural immune system to defeat cancers and infectious diseases. Using its applied science and platforms to treat cancers, including the development of potential cancer vaccines, as well as developing immunotherapies and cell therapies to reduce or eliminate the need for standard high-dose chemotherapy. Its platforms and their associated product candidates are designed to attack cancer and infectious pathogens by activating both the innate immune system, including NK cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, as well as the adaptive immune system comprising B and T cells, in an orchestrated manner. Its platforms for the development of biologic product candidates include antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, vaccine vectors, and cell therapies. Its biologic commercial product candidate, Anktiva, is an IL-15 superagonist antibody-cytokine fusion protein.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
ImmunityBio Shares Rise as Market Eyes July Catalysts
- Significant Sales Growth: ImmunityBio's Anktiva drove a 168% increase in Q1 net sales to $44.2 million, exceeding Wall Street estimates, indicating strong market demand that is expected to further enhance the company's overall performance.
- FDA Expansion Filing Accepted: The FDA has accepted ImmunityBio's filing for Anktiva's expansion to patients with papillary bladder cancer, with a target decision date of January 6, 2027, which could open new market opportunities and strengthen its competitive position in cancer treatment.
- Market Sentiment Turns Bullish: With a 248% surge in message volume on social media, retail traders' sentiment towards ImmunityBio has flipped from bearish to bullish, indicating strong market anticipation for upcoming July catalysts that may drive further stock price increases.
- Automation Manufacturing Platform Gains Attention: ImmunityBio is developing the world's first NK cell automation manufacturing robot, expected to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs, and investor confidence in the company's growth potential has surged following Soon-Shiong's latest updates.
See More
SLS and IBRX Seize Opportunities in Biotech Sector
- Biotech Market Performance: The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) rose 17% in June, with Sellas Life Sciences (SLS) surging 53% and ImmunityBio (IBRX) gaining 10%, indicating a strong recovery in the biotech sector that has captured investor interest.
- Innovative Treatment Progress: Sellas is conducting a pivotal Phase 3 trial for GPS targeting acute myeloid leukemia (AML), having reached 78 out of 80 events needed for final analysis, suggesting patients may be living longer than expected, which boosts market confidence in its future.
- M&A Activity Expectations: Edison Investment Research notes that M&A activity in the biotech sector may persist due to clearer policies, attractive valuations, and high innovation levels, especially following Sellas's updates on executive severance and change-of-control arrangements, intensifying market speculation about a potential acquisition.
- FDA Support for Innovation: Edison emphasizes the FDA's support for medical innovation, with expectations for continued accelerated review pathways and flexibility, as evidenced by 52 new molecular entities approved in 2025, close to the 10-year average, reflecting a positive regulatory environment.
See More
IBRX Poised for Potential Inclusion in Russell 1000 Index
- Market Capitalization Advantage: IBRX's current market capitalization of approximately $9 billion significantly exceeds the $5.7 billion threshold for the Russell 1000 Index, positioning it as a strong candidate for inclusion that could attract passive investment inflows.
- ANKTIVA Sales Growth: The accelerating sales of IBRX's ANKTIVA product in the U.S. have been bolstered by the FDA's April 2024 approval for use in BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, which is expected to further drive the company's revenue growth.
- Investor Sentiment Optimism: Retail investor sentiment around IBRX has remained in the 'bullish' territory over the past 24 hours, with message volume increasing by approximately 154% year-over-year, indicating strong market interest in its future performance.
- Stock Price Surge: IBRX shares jumped 12% on Friday, and if gains hold, it would mark the stock's best day since late March, reflecting investor expectations for its potential inclusion in the Russell 1000 and optimism about future earnings.
See More
Market Mood Shifts to Cautious Optimism Amid Record Equity Inflows
- Record Inflows: U.S. equities attracted approximately $884 billion in inflows over the past 12 months, marking the largest annual inflow on record and more than double the previous peak, indicating strong investor risk appetite that could drive further market gains.
- Oil Price Investigation: President Trump has directed the DOJ to investigate oil companies for failing to pass on lower crude costs to consumers, which may lead to stricter regulations and potential legal repercussions for the industry, impacting stock performance.
- Tech Stock Movements: Micron Technology's stock rose 5% in early premarket trading ahead of its anticipated earnings report, reflecting investor confidence in sustained AI-driven memory demand, which could enhance the company's future performance.
- Shifts in Market Sentiment: Despite volatility from the Fed's hawkish stance, retail sentiment for the SPDR S&P 500 ETF remains 'bearish', while the Invesco QQQ Trust sentiment has shifted from 'neutral' to 'bullish', indicating a rebound in investor confidence towards tech stocks.
See More
IBRX Poised for Russell 1000 Inclusion Amid Retail Trader Speculation
- Market Reconstitution Focus: Retail traders are closely watching Friday's Russell reconstitution, with IBRX potentially graduating from the Russell 2000 to the Russell 1000, as its current market cap of approximately $7.67 billion exceeds the $5.7 billion cutoff for 2026, which could trigger significant index fund buying if successful.
- Price Volatility Analysis: IBRX rose 1% in extended trading on Tuesday to close at $7.32, despite being down 3% so far this month; however, market optimism regarding its potential Russell 1000 inclusion suggests it could improve trading characteristics and attract more passive investors.
- Surge in Trading Volume: According to Stocktwits, IBRX's message volume surged by 349% over the past month, while retail sentiment shifted from 'bullish' to 'bearish', indicating heightened market attention and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming reconstitution.
- FDA Approval Boost: Last month, the FDA accepted ImmunityBio's application to expand Anktiva for bladder cancer treatment, with a decision expected on January 6, 2027, and clinical trial results showing 58.2% of patients disease-free after 12 months, further bolstering market confidence in IBRX.
See More
Federal Reserve's Policy Decision Draws Attention
- Fed Meeting Focus: Investors are closely watching Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's first meeting, where rates are expected to remain unchanged; however, his views on AI as a disinflationary force could spark market volatility, indicating a heightened focus on future monetary policy.
- Strong Market Performance: The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record high on Tuesday, propelling U.S. stock futures higher, with Nasdaq futures up 0.9%, reflecting optimistic sentiment towards the Fed's policy and potentially boosting investor confidence.
- Stock Movements: SpaceX shares surged approximately 50% from the $135 IPO price, briefly surpassing Microsoft and Amazon in market capitalization, highlighting strong market interest in emerging tech companies and their growth potential.
- Economic Data Watch: Investors are tracking retail sales data set to be released at 8:30 AM ET and the Fed's policy statement at 2:00 PM ET, with expectations that these figures will significantly impact market sentiment and investment decisions.
See More
ImmunityBio Shares Rise as Market Eyes July Catalysts
- Significant Sales Growth: ImmunityBio's Anktiva drove a 168% increase in Q1 net sales to $44.2 million, exceeding Wall Street estimates, indicating strong market demand that is expected to further enhance the company's overall performance.
- FDA Expansion Filing Accepted: The FDA has accepted ImmunityBio's filing for Anktiva's expansion to patients with papillary bladder cancer, with a target decision date of January 6, 2027, which could open new market opportunities and strengthen its competitive position in cancer treatment.
- Market Sentiment Turns Bullish: With a 248% surge in message volume on social media, retail traders' sentiment towards ImmunityBio has flipped from bearish to bullish, indicating strong market anticipation for upcoming July catalysts that may drive further stock price increases.
- Automation Manufacturing Platform Gains Attention: ImmunityBio is developing the world's first NK cell automation manufacturing robot, expected to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs, and investor confidence in the company's growth potential has surged following Soon-Shiong's latest updates.
See More
SLS and IBRX Seize Opportunities in Biotech Sector
- Biotech Market Performance: The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) rose 17% in June, with Sellas Life Sciences (SLS) surging 53% and ImmunityBio (IBRX) gaining 10%, indicating a strong recovery in the biotech sector that has captured investor interest.
- Innovative Treatment Progress: Sellas is conducting a pivotal Phase 3 trial for GPS targeting acute myeloid leukemia (AML), having reached 78 out of 80 events needed for final analysis, suggesting patients may be living longer than expected, which boosts market confidence in its future.
- M&A Activity Expectations: Edison Investment Research notes that M&A activity in the biotech sector may persist due to clearer policies, attractive valuations, and high innovation levels, especially following Sellas's updates on executive severance and change-of-control arrangements, intensifying market speculation about a potential acquisition.
- FDA Support for Innovation: Edison emphasizes the FDA's support for medical innovation, with expectations for continued accelerated review pathways and flexibility, as evidenced by 52 new molecular entities approved in 2025, close to the 10-year average, reflecting a positive regulatory environment.
See More
IBRX Poised for Potential Inclusion in Russell 1000 Index
- Market Capitalization Advantage: IBRX's current market capitalization of approximately $9 billion significantly exceeds the $5.7 billion threshold for the Russell 1000 Index, positioning it as a strong candidate for inclusion that could attract passive investment inflows.
- ANKTIVA Sales Growth: The accelerating sales of IBRX's ANKTIVA product in the U.S. have been bolstered by the FDA's April 2024 approval for use in BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, which is expected to further drive the company's revenue growth.
- Investor Sentiment Optimism: Retail investor sentiment around IBRX has remained in the 'bullish' territory over the past 24 hours, with message volume increasing by approximately 154% year-over-year, indicating strong market interest in its future performance.
- Stock Price Surge: IBRX shares jumped 12% on Friday, and if gains hold, it would mark the stock's best day since late March, reflecting investor expectations for its potential inclusion in the Russell 1000 and optimism about future earnings.
See More
Market Mood Shifts to Cautious Optimism Amid Record Equity Inflows
- Record Inflows: U.S. equities attracted approximately $884 billion in inflows over the past 12 months, marking the largest annual inflow on record and more than double the previous peak, indicating strong investor risk appetite that could drive further market gains.
- Oil Price Investigation: President Trump has directed the DOJ to investigate oil companies for failing to pass on lower crude costs to consumers, which may lead to stricter regulations and potential legal repercussions for the industry, impacting stock performance.
- Tech Stock Movements: Micron Technology's stock rose 5% in early premarket trading ahead of its anticipated earnings report, reflecting investor confidence in sustained AI-driven memory demand, which could enhance the company's future performance.
- Shifts in Market Sentiment: Despite volatility from the Fed's hawkish stance, retail sentiment for the SPDR S&P 500 ETF remains 'bearish', while the Invesco QQQ Trust sentiment has shifted from 'neutral' to 'bullish', indicating a rebound in investor confidence towards tech stocks.
See More
IBRX Poised for Russell 1000 Inclusion Amid Retail Trader Speculation
- Market Reconstitution Focus: Retail traders are closely watching Friday's Russell reconstitution, with IBRX potentially graduating from the Russell 2000 to the Russell 1000, as its current market cap of approximately $7.67 billion exceeds the $5.7 billion cutoff for 2026, which could trigger significant index fund buying if successful.
- Price Volatility Analysis: IBRX rose 1% in extended trading on Tuesday to close at $7.32, despite being down 3% so far this month; however, market optimism regarding its potential Russell 1000 inclusion suggests it could improve trading characteristics and attract more passive investors.
- Surge in Trading Volume: According to Stocktwits, IBRX's message volume surged by 349% over the past month, while retail sentiment shifted from 'bullish' to 'bearish', indicating heightened market attention and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming reconstitution.
- FDA Approval Boost: Last month, the FDA accepted ImmunityBio's application to expand Anktiva for bladder cancer treatment, with a decision expected on January 6, 2027, and clinical trial results showing 58.2% of patients disease-free after 12 months, further bolstering market confidence in IBRX.
See More
Federal Reserve's Policy Decision Draws Attention
- Fed Meeting Focus: Investors are closely watching Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's first meeting, where rates are expected to remain unchanged; however, his views on AI as a disinflationary force could spark market volatility, indicating a heightened focus on future monetary policy.
- Strong Market Performance: The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record high on Tuesday, propelling U.S. stock futures higher, with Nasdaq futures up 0.9%, reflecting optimistic sentiment towards the Fed's policy and potentially boosting investor confidence.
- Stock Movements: SpaceX shares surged approximately 50% from the $135 IPO price, briefly surpassing Microsoft and Amazon in market capitalization, highlighting strong market interest in emerging tech companies and their growth potential.
- Economic Data Watch: Investors are tracking retail sales data set to be released at 8:30 AM ET and the Fed's policy statement at 2:00 PM ET, with expectations that these figures will significantly impact market sentiment and investment decisions.
See More
