ImmunityBio announces early findings from Anktiva pilot study

ImmunityBio (IBRX) announced early findings from the first five recurrent glioblastoma patients treated with its investigational immune-boosting regimen including Anktiva in this pilot study. All five patients achieved 100% disease control with the regimen that combines Anktiva, an IL-15 agonist being studied for its ability to enhance natural killer cell activity, NK cell therapy and Optune Gio Tumor Treating Fields. Of the five patients treated to date, three responded of which two at near complete response and the remaining 2 having stable disease to date. This finding of 100% disease control in second line recurrent glioblastoma receiving a chemotherapy free immunotherapy with Optune immune stimulating device is highly encouraging. The company believes these early results of this combination immune-stimulating therapy are notable, given both the fact that GBM is a common form of brain tumor, as well as one that is exceptionally difficult to treat successfully with currently approved therapies. GBM has a single digit five-year survival rate for patients aged 45 and over. While the initial treatments in this trial involve a small cohort, the company believes results are sufficiently encouraging for the company to plan a Phase 2 trial in second-line glioblastoma to further evaluate the potential for this combination treatment.