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ImmunityBio (formerly NantKwest)
ImmunityBio (formerly NantKwest) develops immunotherapies targeting cancer and infectious diseases, with ANKTIVA approved for bladder cancer.
ImmunityBio (formerly NantKwest)
ImmunityBio, previously known as NantKwest, is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on activating the innate and adaptive immune system to treat cancer and infectious diseases. Its origins trace to the NantWorks ecosystem, though specific founding details and year are not publicly disclosed. The company's platform targets more than checkpoint inhibitors by stimulating NK cells, T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. It has at least two named commercial-stage assets: ANKTIVA is now commercially available for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. A Phase 2/3 trial, QUILT-2.023, and a Phase 3 study, QUILT-3.055, reported positive results in 2026. The pipeline addresses bladder cancer, lung cancer, and infectious diseases, with a stated goal of reducing or eliminating high-dose chemotherapy. In Q1 2026, ImmunityBio reported financial results and highlighted a non-dilutive financing and debt reduction to strengthen its balance sheet (per the firm's May 2026 press release). The company also announced an exclusive U.S. deal for Tokyo-Strain BCG. It has additional offices in Chicago, San Ramon, and San Diego. No philanthropic foundation or operating company is disclosed. ImmunityBio's structural differentiator is its 'triangle offense' approach, combining multiple immune pathways (NK cells, T cells, macrophages) in a platform designed to deliver durable, complete responses without weakening the immune system. This contrasts with traditional chemotherapy and certain CAR-T therapies.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Culver City
Corporate office
Culver City, CA, United States
Additional offices
Chicago · San Ramon · San Diego
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at ImmunityBio?
ImmunityBio is a publicly traded biotechnology company, not a private entity run by a single family office. Its leadership includes a CEO and board of directors, but specific investment decision-makers are not publicly named beyond the executive team. The firm does not disclose a CIO or equivalent role.
Is ImmunityBio structured as a family office or as a biotech company?
ImmunityBio is a publicly traded clinical-stage biotechnology company (not a family office). Its primary capital allocation is directed toward R&D and commercialization of its immunotherapy pipeline, rather than external investments. It is part of the NantWorks ecosystem founded by Patrick Soon-Shiong, but that affiliation does not make it a family office.
What is ANKTIVA and how does it work?
ANKTIVA is an FDA-approved immunotherapy for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with papillary disease. It is administered intravesically and activates NK cells, T cells, and macrophages to attack cancer cells while preserving the immune system. The therapy is now marketed in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
Does ImmunityBio engage in fund commitments or direct investments?
No. ImmunityBio is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on R&D, clinical trials, and commercialization of its own therapeutics. It does not participate in fund commitments or direct external investments. Its financial activities relate to corporate financing, such as non-dilutive debt and equity offerings.
How does ImmunityBio source its proprietary technology?
ImmunityBio's technology is developed internally via its research team and through partnerships. The company's platform is built on activating multiple immune pathways, including NK cells and T cells, using proprietary constructs and adjuvants. Its science is disclosed in SEC filings and academic presentations.
What investment stages does ImmunityBio target?
ImmunityBio does not invest; it is a biotech company targeting later-stage clinical development (Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials) and commercialization. Its pipeline includes both early and late-stage programs in bladder cancer, lung cancer, and infectious diseases.
Where does the underlying wealth behind ImmunityBio come from?
ImmunityBio is a publicly traded company, not a private family office. Its financing comes from public markets, institutional investors, and debt placements. The founding wealth behind its parent entity (NantWorks) is attributed to Patrick Soon-Shiong, a surgeon, inventor, and former owner of pharmaceutical assets, but that wealth is separate from ImmunityBio's capital structure.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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