Launches ANKTIVA in Saudi Arabia for Bladder and Lung Cancer Patients
Published: 07 May 2026
Author: Towards Healthcare
ImmunityBio Announces ANKTIVA® Is Now Available in Saudi Arabia for Bladder and Lung Cancer Patients; Market Entry Achieved Within Two Months of MENA Partnership
ImmunityBio, a commercial-stage immunotherapy company, announced that ANKTIVA is now commercially available in Saudi Arabia. Initial patients have been identified for treatment across both approved bladder and lung cancer.
ANKTIVA is being distributed through partnerships with Biopharma and Cigalah Healthcare, leading healthcare distribution companies in the Middle East, with support from the company’s wholly owned subsidiary in Saudi Arabia.
According to Towards Healthcare, the next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 32.55 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 104.18 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8% from 2026 to 2035. Growth is driven by the global burden of cancer, which is increasing, leading to a higher demand for effective cancer treatments. Companies are investing in research and development, as well as forming partnerships to advance the field. With the growing shift toward immunotherapy, there is a growing trend of immunotherapy being used as a standard of care in oncology.
About ANKTIVA
Anktiva, also known as nogapendekin alfa inbakicept, is a type of immunotherapy that activates natural killer (NK) cells, a component of the body’s immune system, to target and destroy bladder cancer cells. It is specifically indicated for adult patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC, including carcinoma in situ (CIS), with or without papillary tumours. Patients who do not respond to standard BCG therapy or experience recurrence after initial treatment are candidates for Anktiva combined with BCG.
It is administered directly into the bladder (intravesical use), which limits systemic exposure and may reduce side effects. It is not given intravenously or subcutaneously.
About ImmunityBio
ImmunityBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on innovating, developing, and commercialising next-generation immunotherapies designed to activate the patient’s immune system and deliver durable protection against cancer and infectious diseases. Our approach harnesses both the adaptive and innate immune systems to restore immune function and generate lasting immunological memory in patients.
The company focuses on innovative approaches such as cytokine fusion proteins, peptide-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and cell therapies designed to enhance natural killer (NK) cells and T-cell activity.
A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors market is witnessing considerable growth driven by the increasing global incidence of cancer and the ability to diagnose and test for biomarkers. Target development of CD38 is expected to hold the highest share in the market, with multiple myeloma as the largest share in the market by 2035.