FDA Faces Regulatory Pressure Over Anktiva
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy IBRX?
Source: stocktwits
- Regulatory Challenges Intensify: The FDA issued a Refusal to File letter for Anktiva's expanded application last year, despite prior encouragement to submit, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty of the regulatory environment that could impact ImmunityBio's market outlook.
- Internal Conflicts Exposed: Reports of internal tensions and inconsistent decision-making at the FDA indicate that Makary's tenure is influenced by political pressure and internal disputes, potentially leading to delays in cancer treatment approvals that could affect related stock performance.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following reports of Makary's potential removal, ImmunityBio's shares jumped 5% on Monday, reflecting investor optimism about the company's future, even as it faces regulatory challenges, with a 193% increase in stock price over the past year.
- Retail Sentiment Fluctuates: Following the WSJ report, discussion volume for ImmunityBio on Stocktwits surged by 291%, indicating retail investors' heightened interest in Anktiva's regulatory outlook and overall biotech sentiment, which could influence trading activity in the short term.
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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: 8.380
Low
5.00
Averages
7.33
High
9.00
Current: 8.380
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.
- Significant Revenue Growth: ImmunityBio reported net product revenue of approximately $44.2 million in Q1 2026, reflecting a remarkable 168% year-over-year increase, which not only highlights strong demand for ANKTIVA but also indicates successful expansion into new markets.
- Strong Cash Position: As of March 31, 2026, the company had $380.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, representing a 56.7% increase from $242.8 million as of December 31, 2025, providing ample funding for future R&D and market expansion initiatives.
- Clinical Trial Progress: The pivotal BCG-naïve NMIBC trial is fully enrolled, with the Independent Data Monitoring Committee confirming no additional patients are needed, laying the groundwork for a supplemental BLA submission in 2026 and demonstrating steady advancement in clinical development.
- Market Access Expansion: ANKTIVA has received approvals in approximately 34 countries, including its first approval in Asia by Macau, and achieved commercial availability within two months of announcing partnerships in the MENA region, showcasing the company's rapid global market positioning and strategic execution capabilities.
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- FDA Review Deadline Approaches: The FDA's standard 60-day review window for ImmunityBio's resubmitted supplemental biologics license application for Anktiva expires Thursday, with potential approval significantly enhancing market competitiveness in treating difficult-to-treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
- Positive Financial Outlook: Wall Street anticipates ImmunityBio's Q1 revenue to reach $43.9 million, a 15% increase from the previous quarter, while projected EBITDA losses are expected to narrow to $58 million, reflecting the company's ongoing growth momentum since Anktiva's commercial launch.
- Key Data Presentation: Next week at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting, ImmunityBio plans to present new comparative data on Anktiva against rival therapies, which could further boost investor confidence and elevate stock prices.
- FDA Leadership Turmoil: Recent leadership changes within the FDA's biologics and cancer divisions have raised concerns, potentially impacting the approval process for Anktiva, while market expectations for a more flexible stance on accelerated approvals are increasing.
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- Significant Sales Growth: ImmunityBio's flagship immunotherapy Anktiva achieved first-quarter sales of $44.2 million, representing a 168% increase year-over-year, surpassing Wall Street's expectations of $43.9 million, indicating strong market performance and sustained product demand.
- Widened Net Loss: Despite the sales growth, ImmunityBio reported a widened net loss of $632.8 million, or $0.62 per share, significantly higher than analysts' forecast of $0.07 per share, primarily due to changes in the value of convertible notes and derivative liabilities, reflecting challenges in financial management.
- Increased Cash Reserves: As of March 31, 2026, the company reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $380.9 million, a substantial increase from $242.8 million as of December 31, 2025, enhancing the company's financial flexibility for future R&D and market expansion.
- Market Sentiment Turns Positive: Despite a 6% pre-market dip, retail investor sentiment on social media shifted to 'extremely bullish', reflecting optimism regarding the FDA's upcoming review of Anktiva's supplemental biologics license application, which could drive a rebound in stock price.
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- Lawsuit Deadline: Investors must file a motion by May 26, 2026, to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ:IBRX) class action, making this date crucial for shareholders wishing to participate in the litigation.
- Stock Price Impact: Following the FDA's determination that the company's promotional communications were false or misleading, IBRX shares fell by 21%, translating to a $1.98 loss per share, which significantly undermines investor confidence and the company's reputation.
- Lead Plaintiff Role: The lead plaintiff oversees litigation strategy, and while not all investors need to be lead plaintiffs to recover losses, all shareholders who purchased IBRX stock during the class period and suffered losses are eligible for compensation.
- Absent Shareholder Rights: Investors who do not apply for lead plaintiff status remain
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- Earnings Highlights: ImmunityBio reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -$0.62, missing expectations by $0.55, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability despite strong revenue growth.
- Revenue Surge: The company achieved Q1 revenue of $44.2 million, representing an approximately 168% year-over-year increase, exceeding market expectations by $0.26 million, showcasing robust sales momentum.
- Quarter-over-Quarter Analysis: Compared to Q4 2025, ImmunityBio's revenue grew by 15%, demonstrating the company's competitive position and sustained demand for its products in the market.
- Market Reaction: Despite the strong revenue performance, ImmunityBio's shares fell by 7% following the earnings report, reflecting investor concerns over profitability that may impact future investment decisions.
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- Filing Deadline: ClaimsFiler reminds investors that those who purchased ImmunityBio shares between January 19 and March 24, 2026, must file lead plaintiff applications by May 26, 2026, to participate in the securities class action lawsuit, ensuring their rights are protected.
- FDA Warning Letter: On March 24, 2026, CEO Richard Adcock received a warning letter from the FDA indicating that misleading advertisements for Anktiva violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, raising public health concerns due to the potential misrepresentation of the drug's efficacy.
- Stock Price Plunge: Following the FDA warning, ImmunityBio's stock price fell by 21% on March 24, 2026, losing $1.98 per share and closing at $7.42, reflecting market concerns over the company's compliance and future outlook.
- Legal Consultation Services: ClaimsFiler offers a free shareholder information service, allowing investors to access details on securities class actions and connect with Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC for legal options to safeguard their interests.
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