BUZZ-ImmunityBio rises as FDA approves alternative to Merck's scarce bladder cancer vaccine

Shares of cancer therapy maker ImmunityBio IBRX.O rise 21.5% to $4.05

IBRX says U.S. FDA has authorized co to provide a new version of the BCG vaccine, called recombinant BCG (rBCG), to help address a shortage of the traditional Tice BCG vaccine used to treat bladder cancer

The shortage of Merck's MRK.N Tice BCG has affected 57% of U.S. urologists, making it difficult for them to treat patients - IBRX

IBRX has also been awarded patents for the combination of rBCG with another drug called Anktiva, approved last year, for the treatment of bladder cancer

IBRX says it is working with the Serum Institute of India to provide of vials of rBCG to address the shortage

Brokerage BTIG views FDA authorization as a "positive tailwind" for Anktiva, driving physician use

IBRX fell ~51% in 2024