Biotechnology company ImmunityBio Inc (NASDAQ: IBRX) announced on Monday the issuance of five US patents covering the combination of its IL-15 receptor agonist ANKTIVA with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, with protection extending through at least 2035.

These patents cover methods of treatment, defined dosing regimens, pharmaceutical compositions and commercial two-vial kit configurations for ANKTIVA plus BCG, including use in BCG-naïve and BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer populations.

ImmunityBio said the intellectual property reinforces its commercial and clinical strategy for its ANKTIVA plus BCG franchise, supporting current approved indications and ongoing trials, including studies in BCG-naïve disease and additional bladder cancer subtypes.

The portfolio also supports the company's broader BCG supply strategy, including its exclusive US agreement for Tokyo-172 BCG and development of recombinant BCG, as it works to expand access and regulatory approvals.

ImmunityBio added that the patents strengthen its position in combining IL-15 receptor agonist immunotherapy with BCG across multiple formulations and treatment settings, providing protection for both product and method-of-use applications.