ImmunityBio announces 1st dosing of rBCG in U.S. and 60 sites pending

ImmunityBio (IBRX) announced U.S. Urology Partners, one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, is one of the first providers to participate in ImmunityBio’s Expanded Access Program EAP for recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guerin rBCG to address the current shortage of TICE BCG in the U.S. “The shortage of BCG has real consequences, especially in many rural communities across the country where supply shortages have impacted the treatment of patients with bladder cancer,” said Christopher M. Pieczonka, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Director of Clinical Research, Associated Medical Professionals, an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners. “I’m pleased U.S. Urology is at the forefront of offering rBCG and would like to thank ImmunityBio for their initiative to seek and secure authorization from the FDA for expanded access to this vital BCG alternative.” Supply shortages of TICE BCG in the U.S. have become a significant impediment to the treatment of bladder cancer patients. In a recent Sermo survey of 100 U.S. urologists, 57 percent indicated they were unable to treat patients in the last 12 months due to a lack of access to TICE BCG. Providers who are unable to source TICE BCG are able to access rBCG through the ImmunityBio EAP. “It is gratifying to see the rapid uptake and interest in the rBCG Expanded Access Program, which was authorized by the FDA just recently,” added Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Founder, Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of ImmunityBio. “Participation by a major national provider like U.S. Urology Partners is a testament to the critical importance of rBCG and the need for an alternative supply of this essential medicine.” “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to expand the BCG supply to allow more patients to receive the full course of their cancer treatment, saving bladders and extending lives,” said Dr. Eugene B. Cone, Co-Director of Clinical Research, Urology of Indiana, an affiliate of U.S. Urology.