ImmunityBio has developed a groundbreaking treatment for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS), called Anktiva. This innovative therapy combines Anktiva (N-803) with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).
Anktiva is a novel IL-15 superagonist complex that triggers the activation and proliferation of NK cells, CD8+ killer T cells, and CD4+ T helper cells. It mimics the natural properties of dendritic cells, enhancing the generation of memory killer T cells, which are specifically trained to recognise and attack cancer cells.
Compared to native IL-15, Anktiva demonstrates improved pharmacokinetics, longer persistence in lymphoid tissues, and enhanced anti- tumour activity in vivo.
By leveraging this unique mechanism of action, Anktiva initiates a comprehensive immune response against cancer cells, resulting in durable complete responses. This approach marks a significant advancement in immunotherapy, moving beyond solely targeting T cells.
The combination of immune cell proliferation and activation, coupled with the induction of T cell memory, forms the basis of a promising therapeutic approach applicable across various tumour types.
The approval of Anktiva represents a potential paradigm shift in NMIBC treatment, offering hope for improved outcomes and potentially reshaping the standard of care for bladder cancer patients.
