Top Performing Healthcare Stocks in March 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 02 2026
0mins
Should l Buy IBRX?
Source: seekingalpha
- ImmunityBio's Stellar Performance: ImmunityBio (IBRX) leads the healthcare sector with a remarkable 64.37% stock price increase over the past month, highlighting its strong growth potential in the biotechnology field.
- DaVita's Strong Rating: Following closely, DaVita (DVA) achieved a 48.00% gain and boasts a Quant Rating of 4.80, earning a Strong Buy recommendation, indicating robust market confidence in its future performance.
- Diverse Healthcare Sectors: The rankings encompass various industries including Biotechnology, Health Care Facilities, Health Care Services, Pharmaceuticals, and Health Care Equipment, showcasing a wide array of investment opportunities that attract diverse investor interest.
- Other Strong Performers: The Ensign Group (ENSG) and McKesson (MCK) posted gains of 24.52% and 18.36% respectively, further demonstrating the resilience and growth potential of the healthcare sector in the current market environment.
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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: 8.470
Low
5.00
Averages
7.33
High
9.00
Current: 8.470
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's Strong Outlook Driven by ANKTIVA Sales Growth
- Rating Upgrade: BTIG has assigned ImmunityBio (IBRX) a Buy rating with a $13 price target, anticipating significant growth in ANKTIVA sales by 2026, reflecting strong market confidence in the company's future performance.
- Market Authorization Progress: ImmunityBio has secured conditional marketing authorization for ANKTIVA in the EU and NSCLC approval in Saudi Arabia, broadening its market prospects and potentially generating additional revenue streams.
- Successful Clinical Trials: The company completed its NK2022 and NK2023 manufacturing engineering programs, advancing the production process for its autologous memory cytokine-enhanced natural killer cell therapy, with 74 participants showing good treatment tolerance, boosting confidence in future clinical applications.
- Safety Data Assurance: In the clinical trials, 64 participants completed the apheresis process without serious adverse events, and 10 cancer patients received 23 doses of treatment, further validating the safety and efficacy of ANKTIVA.
See More
Macau Approves ANKTIVA for Bladder Cancer Treatment
- First Authorization in Asia: The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of Macau has granted approval for ANKTIVA® for patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, marking the first authorization in Asia and supporting the company's global expansion strategy across 34 countries and territories.
- Clinical Data Validation: In the QUILT-3.032 study, ANKTIVA combined with BCG demonstrated a complete response rate of 71% and a median duration of response of 26.6 months, validating its efficacy in treating BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer and enhancing market confidence.
- Regulatory Pathway Reliance: The approval was granted following a reliance-based review referencing prior decisions by the U.S. FDA and EMA, showcasing the company's flexibility and adaptability in its global regulatory strategy aimed at accelerating product availability.
- Future Commercial Plans: ImmunityBio is engaging with additional health authorities across the Asia-Pacific region to prepare for potential commercial distribution of ANKTIVA, recognizing the need to overcome regulatory challenges to ensure long-term global access for patients.
See More
Market Turbulence and Options Expiry Risks Loom
- Options Expiry Impact: A record $5.7 trillion in options is set to expire today, marking the largest March expiry since 1996, which could exacerbate market volatility and requires investors to remain vigilant against potential price swings.
- Middle East Tensions: Escalating tensions, including fresh Israeli strikes on Iran and risks around the Strait of Hormuz, are fueling oil volatility, keeping market sentiment cautious, particularly amid high trading volumes.
- SMCI Stock Plunge: Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares plummeted 20% in early trading after three individuals were charged with smuggling Nvidia chips to China, raising concerns over the company's compliance and market trust.
- Rare Earth Stocks Focus: Following the U.S. and Japan's announcement of a $73 billion energy and minerals joint action plan, rare earth stocks (such as MP, UAMY, USAR) are gaining investor attention, highlighting strategic importance in resource development.
See More
ImmunityBio's Anktiva Study Shows Promising Early Immune Activation Data
- Early Immune Activation Data: Executive Chairman Patrick Soon-Shiong highlighted that preliminary data from the Anktiva study indicates significant immune activation when combined with the company's adenovirus-based cancer vaccine, with initial analysis showing increased absolute lymphocyte counts in 20 subjects, suggesting the therapy's potential in cancer immunotherapy.
- Macau Drug List Update: Anktiva has been added to Macau's latest approved drug list as a treatment for bladder cancer, placing it alongside other well-known therapies, which enhances its recognition and application prospects in international markets, thereby strengthening ImmunityBio's competitive position.
- FDA Application Resubmission: ImmunityBio has resubmitted its application to expand Anktiva's label to include bladder cancer, following a prior refusal-to-file, demonstrating the company's firm commitment to expanding its product line and addressing unmet medical needs.
- Market Reaction and Stock Volatility: While IBRX shares saw modest gains in premarket trading, retail investor sentiment has shifted from 'extremely bullish' to 'bearish' over the past three months, reflecting cautious market attitudes towards Anktiva's future performance, despite the stock having tripled in value over the past year.
See More
ImmunityBio's Anktiva Gains New Approvals and Momentum
- Therapy Expansion: ImmunityBio's Anktiva has been included in the NCCN guidelines as a recommended option for patients with papillary bladder cancer unresponsive to BCG, thereby expanding the potential patient population, although formal FDA approval is still pending.
- Clinical Data Support: Recent clinical data indicates that 58.2% of patients remained cancer-free at 12 months, while over 80% avoided bladder removal surgery, highlighting the therapy's efficacy and significance in treatment.
- International Market Push: Anktiva has received approvals in markets like Saudi Arabia and plans to expand distribution across the Middle East and North Africa, showcasing ImmunityBio's strategic positioning and market expansion capabilities globally.
- Stock Market Reaction: IBRX shares have risen over 5% this week, breaking a two-week losing streak, reflecting positive market sentiment following Anktiva's inclusion in Macau's drug list and the NCCN guideline expansion.
See More
ImmunityBio's Cancer Treatment Guidelines Update Boosts Stock
- Stock Surge: ImmunityBio Inc. (IBRX) shares rose over 7% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, reflecting positive market sentiment towards its advancements in cancer treatment, particularly following the latest guideline updates.
- Guideline Update: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has updated its 2026 bladder cancer treatment guidelines to recommend the use of ANKTIVA in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, indicating a significant expansion of treatment options.
- Therapeutic Efficacy: ANKTIVA enhances the immune response by activating natural killer (NK) and T cells to target cancer more effectively, although its use for patients with papillary-only disease has not yet received FDA approval, clinical studies have shown lasting benefits.
- Strategic Commitment: Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, founder and executive chairman, emphasized that the NCCN guideline update reflects the growing clinical data supporting ANKTIVA's use in this patient population, reinforcing the company's commitment to developing comprehensive treatment solutions.
See More
ImmunityBio's Strong Outlook Driven by ANKTIVA Sales Growth
- Rating Upgrade: BTIG has assigned ImmunityBio (IBRX) a Buy rating with a $13 price target, anticipating significant growth in ANKTIVA sales by 2026, reflecting strong market confidence in the company's future performance.
- Market Authorization Progress: ImmunityBio has secured conditional marketing authorization for ANKTIVA in the EU and NSCLC approval in Saudi Arabia, broadening its market prospects and potentially generating additional revenue streams.
- Successful Clinical Trials: The company completed its NK2022 and NK2023 manufacturing engineering programs, advancing the production process for its autologous memory cytokine-enhanced natural killer cell therapy, with 74 participants showing good treatment tolerance, boosting confidence in future clinical applications.
- Safety Data Assurance: In the clinical trials, 64 participants completed the apheresis process without serious adverse events, and 10 cancer patients received 23 doses of treatment, further validating the safety and efficacy of ANKTIVA.
See More
Macau Approves ANKTIVA for Bladder Cancer Treatment
- First Authorization in Asia: The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of Macau has granted approval for ANKTIVA® for patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, marking the first authorization in Asia and supporting the company's global expansion strategy across 34 countries and territories.
- Clinical Data Validation: In the QUILT-3.032 study, ANKTIVA combined with BCG demonstrated a complete response rate of 71% and a median duration of response of 26.6 months, validating its efficacy in treating BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer and enhancing market confidence.
- Regulatory Pathway Reliance: The approval was granted following a reliance-based review referencing prior decisions by the U.S. FDA and EMA, showcasing the company's flexibility and adaptability in its global regulatory strategy aimed at accelerating product availability.
- Future Commercial Plans: ImmunityBio is engaging with additional health authorities across the Asia-Pacific region to prepare for potential commercial distribution of ANKTIVA, recognizing the need to overcome regulatory challenges to ensure long-term global access for patients.
See More
Market Turbulence and Options Expiry Risks Loom
- Options Expiry Impact: A record $5.7 trillion in options is set to expire today, marking the largest March expiry since 1996, which could exacerbate market volatility and requires investors to remain vigilant against potential price swings.
- Middle East Tensions: Escalating tensions, including fresh Israeli strikes on Iran and risks around the Strait of Hormuz, are fueling oil volatility, keeping market sentiment cautious, particularly amid high trading volumes.
- SMCI Stock Plunge: Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares plummeted 20% in early trading after three individuals were charged with smuggling Nvidia chips to China, raising concerns over the company's compliance and market trust.
- Rare Earth Stocks Focus: Following the U.S. and Japan's announcement of a $73 billion energy and minerals joint action plan, rare earth stocks (such as MP, UAMY, USAR) are gaining investor attention, highlighting strategic importance in resource development.
See More
ImmunityBio's Anktiva Study Shows Promising Early Immune Activation Data
- Early Immune Activation Data: Executive Chairman Patrick Soon-Shiong highlighted that preliminary data from the Anktiva study indicates significant immune activation when combined with the company's adenovirus-based cancer vaccine, with initial analysis showing increased absolute lymphocyte counts in 20 subjects, suggesting the therapy's potential in cancer immunotherapy.
- Macau Drug List Update: Anktiva has been added to Macau's latest approved drug list as a treatment for bladder cancer, placing it alongside other well-known therapies, which enhances its recognition and application prospects in international markets, thereby strengthening ImmunityBio's competitive position.
- FDA Application Resubmission: ImmunityBio has resubmitted its application to expand Anktiva's label to include bladder cancer, following a prior refusal-to-file, demonstrating the company's firm commitment to expanding its product line and addressing unmet medical needs.
- Market Reaction and Stock Volatility: While IBRX shares saw modest gains in premarket trading, retail investor sentiment has shifted from 'extremely bullish' to 'bearish' over the past three months, reflecting cautious market attitudes towards Anktiva's future performance, despite the stock having tripled in value over the past year.
See More
ImmunityBio's Anktiva Gains New Approvals and Momentum
- Therapy Expansion: ImmunityBio's Anktiva has been included in the NCCN guidelines as a recommended option for patients with papillary bladder cancer unresponsive to BCG, thereby expanding the potential patient population, although formal FDA approval is still pending.
- Clinical Data Support: Recent clinical data indicates that 58.2% of patients remained cancer-free at 12 months, while over 80% avoided bladder removal surgery, highlighting the therapy's efficacy and significance in treatment.
- International Market Push: Anktiva has received approvals in markets like Saudi Arabia and plans to expand distribution across the Middle East and North Africa, showcasing ImmunityBio's strategic positioning and market expansion capabilities globally.
- Stock Market Reaction: IBRX shares have risen over 5% this week, breaking a two-week losing streak, reflecting positive market sentiment following Anktiva's inclusion in Macau's drug list and the NCCN guideline expansion.
See More
ImmunityBio's Cancer Treatment Guidelines Update Boosts Stock
- Stock Surge: ImmunityBio Inc. (IBRX) shares rose over 7% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, reflecting positive market sentiment towards its advancements in cancer treatment, particularly following the latest guideline updates.
- Guideline Update: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has updated its 2026 bladder cancer treatment guidelines to recommend the use of ANKTIVA in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, indicating a significant expansion of treatment options.
- Therapeutic Efficacy: ANKTIVA enhances the immune response by activating natural killer (NK) and T cells to target cancer more effectively, although its use for patients with papillary-only disease has not yet received FDA approval, clinical studies have shown lasting benefits.
- Strategic Commitment: Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, founder and executive chairman, emphasized that the NCCN guideline update reflects the growing clinical data supporting ANKTIVA's use in this patient population, reinforcing the company's commitment to developing comprehensive treatment solutions.
See More
