Founder Supports Trump’s Psychedelic Policy Push and Highlights Cancer Research
The founder of ImmunityBio, Inc. (IBRX), Patrick Soon-Shiong, has made headlines by endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to accelerate research into psychedelic therapies. This support came alongside the release of new data linking low immune-cell levels to a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients who have achieved remission.
Soon-Shiong expressed confidence that Trump could make significant strides in transforming the health of Americans through his policies. He highlighted evidence showing that patients with lymphopenia—reduced levels of key immune cells—face over twice the risk of distant breast cancer recurrence compared to those with normal immune function. This finding was shared during a weekend update, where he emphasized the importance of monitoring absolute lymphocyte counts as an easy test to identify and address this increased risk.
New Data on Breast Cancer Risk
In addition to the immune-related findings, Soon-Shiong pointed to independent research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting. The study, led by UCLA breast cancer oncologist Aditya Barda, showed that post-COVID lymphopenia leads to poorer prognosis and a 2x higher recurrence rate in breast cancer patients in remission.
“Regardless of the stage of breast cancer, post-COVID lymphopenia results in poorer prognosis, poorer response to treatment, and even 2x higher recurrence when patients are in remission,” Soon-Shiong said. He stressed the clear relationship between low NK (natural killer) and T cells and cancer outcomes, calling the data “very compelling.”
Trials to Reverse Post-COVID Immune Dysfunction
Soon-Shiong also addressed how clinicians might tackle post-COVID immune dysfunction, specifically T-cell exhaustion. He mentioned that a patient is currently being treated under an FDA-authorized single-patient investigational new drug pathway. More clinical trials are planned to explore whether this condition can be reversed.
Anktiva, an IL-15-based immunotherapy developed by ImmunityBio, plays a key role in this effort. It boosts natural killer cells and CD8 T cells, which help the body detect and destroy virus-infected and cancerous cells. Soon-Shiong noted that emerging data from the AACR summit supports the link between lymphopenia after COVID and rising metastatic disease and cancer recurrence in previously remitted patients.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Global Expansion
Despite these developments, Anktiva has faced regulatory scrutiny after the FDA issued a warning letter regarding promotional language that referenced uses beyond its approved indication. Soon-Shiong defended the company’s position, stating that the television advertisement cited by regulators had never aired.
Anktiva was approved in 2024 for certain bladder-cancer patients who no longer respond to standard therapy. It is now being studied across multiple tumor types and severe inflammatory conditions. The therapy has also expanded internationally following conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission across the EU, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Retail Trader Sentiment Shifts
Retail traders have shown improved sentiment toward IBRX, moving from “bearish” to “neutral” in the past week. Message volumes related to the stock have surged by 70% during this period. One trader shared their optimism, saying, “sold a good bit Friday at 7.84 with the intention to buy my khc stock back but now I’m buying a ton of Ibrx tomorrow. Don’t be a panican! A mountain of money is waiting to get in here.”
Another user expressed confidence in Anktiva’s broader approval, stating, “zero doubt this is coming before the midterms. Trump will have the heyday of curing cancer during his term.” Over the past year, IBRX stock has jumped 212%.
Future Prospects and Market Outlook
With ongoing clinical trials and growing interest in Anktiva, ImmunityBio is positioned to play a significant role in advancing immunotherapy treatments. The company’s efforts to expand globally and collaborate with high-profile figures like Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have further bolstered its strategic positioning.
As more data emerges and regulatory approvals progress, the future of Anktiva and ImmunityBio looks increasingly promising. Investors and healthcare professionals alike are watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
