ImmunityBio, Inc. - IBRX STOCK NEWS

ImmunityBio announced two clinical trials in South Africa to evaluate its hAd5 T-cell-based COVID-19 vaccine. The first trial focuses on using the vaccine as a "Universal Boost" for healthcare workers already vaccinated. The second will assess safety and efficacy after prior COVID-19 infection. Key features include multiple administration methods potentially enhancing access and effectiveness. Preliminary studies in the U.S. show promise with a 10-fold increase in T cell response. Future phases will involve larger participant groups to confirm long-term immunity against variants.

ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBRX) announced that Founder Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong will present at the 2021 Jefferies Virtual Healthcare Conference from June 1-4. The presentation, scheduled for June 4 at 11:30 a.m. EDT, will cover updates on the company's infectious disease and oncology programs. Attendees can access a live video webcast via the ImmunityBio Investor Relations website. ImmunityBio is a clinical-stage company focused on immunotherapy, with over 40 clinical trials in various stages, including treatments for cancers and infectious diseases.

ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBRX) announced a poster presentation on its interleukin-15 superagonist Anktiva® at the upcoming 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting. The Phase 2 study examines Anktiva in combination with checkpoint therapy for patients who relapsed from prior treatments. The study involved 140 participants, showing a 68% disease control rate (82 out of 121 evaluable) and favorable toxicity compared to traditional therapies. The data suggests potential long-term benefits in multiple cancers, marking a significant step towards a chemotherapy-free immunotherapy approach.

ImmunityBio has received FDA authorization for a Phase 1 study evaluating its m-ceNK™ platform combined with Anktiva (N-803) in patients with advanced solid tumors. This novel approach utilizes NK cells from patients, enhanced with cytokines, to target cancer effectively. The trial will involve two cohorts: one with newly diagnosed patients and another with those who have undergone at least two prior therapies. This innovative therapy aims to significantly impact the clinical landscape of solid tumors, which constitute a large share of cancer diagnoses in the U.S.

ImmunityBio (NASDAQ: IBRX) has initiated preclinical development of its liquid tumor pipeline, featuring Anktiva™ (N-803) in a Phase 1 study. Results published in the Clinical Cancer Research journal indicate that Anktiva combined with Rituxan® shows promising safety and efficacy in patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) post two lines of therapy. Key findings include a 78% overall response rate in subcutaneous administration and 100% complete response in sensitive cases. The study suggests Anktiva's potential to enhance therapeutic monoclonal antibody activity across various tumor types.

ImmunityBio has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial in Thailand for its interleukin-15 superagonist Anktiva® (N-803) in combination with antiretroviral therapy to combat HIV. Conducted by the U.S. Military HIV Research Program, the study aims to evaluate its effectiveness in inhibiting HIV reservoirs during acute infection. Preliminary Phase 1 data indicated Anktiva's safety and efficacy in activating immune responses. The 12-week study will assess immunostimulatory effects and viral load reduction.

ImmunityBio has treated over 100 patients with its proprietary Natural Killer (NK) cells in clinical trials targeting pancreatic, triple-negative breast, and Merkel Cell Carcinoma cancers. With over 5 trillion NK cells manufactured since 2017, the company has upgraded its production capabilities, resulting in a 400% performance increase. CEO Richard Adcock emphasized ImmunityBio's leading position in NK cell therapy manufacturing. The company also operates a broad immunotherapy pipeline with over 40 trials, including its lead agent Anktiva, which holds FDA breakthrough designations.

ImmunityBio (NASDAQ: IBRX) reported promising initial data from its Phase 1 study of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, showing a significant ten-fold increase in T cell responses to spike and nucleocapsid proteins just 14-21 days post-vaccination. This data suggests the vaccine could provide broad protection, including against variants like B.1.1.7 and B.1.351. The innovative hAd5 vector vaccine may serve as a universal booster. ImmunityBio's ongoing Phase Ib trials aim to optimize vaccine administration methods for enhanced immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

ImmunityBio has appointed Dr. Linda Maxwell as an independent board member and CEO Richard Adcock to the board following the merger with NantKwest. Effective March 29, 2021, these appointments aim to enhance the company's leadership. Dr. Maxwell brings extensive healthcare and business experience, expected to guide ImmunityBio in developing innovative cancer therapies. Concurrently, board members Fred Driscoll and John D. Thomas concluded their service, having contributed to the company's significant pipeline expansion, which includes over 40 clinical trials.