Anktiva Shortage Update: March 2026

If you're a bladder cancer patient relying on Anktiva (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln) for treatment, you've likely heard about supply challenges. The situation is complicated — and in this update, we'll break down exactly what's happening with Anktiva availability and the related BCG shortage as of early 2026.

Is Anktiva Itself in Shortage?

As of March 2026, Anktiva itself is not listed as being in shortage by the FDA. ImmunityBio, the manufacturer, has been scaling up production and reported 700% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, indicating increasing supply to meet demand.

However, the practical reality is more complicated. Many patients are struggling to access Anktiva treatment — not because of the drug itself, but because of its required companion therapy: BCG.

The BCG Shortage: The Real Bottleneck

Anktiva must be administered in combination with BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) — there's no approved way to use it alone. And BCG has been in a severe, ongoing shortage that continues to worsen.

Here's what you need to know about the BCG shortage:

• Sole supplier problem: Merck is the only company manufacturing BCG (TICE BCG) for the U.S. market
• Years-long shortage: The BCG shortage has persisted for several years and has not been resolved
• Growing demand: As Anktiva adoption increases, demand for BCG grows too — making the shortage feel even more acute
• Rationing: Many treatment centers are rationing BCG supply, prioritizing it for certain patients

ImmunityBio has called the BCG shortage "terrible" and is actively working on a solution: recombinant BCG (rBCG). The company anticipated making over 45,000 vials of rBCG available in the U.S. in 2025 and has dosed over 570 patients through expanded access programs. A U.S. FDA meeting for rBCG was scheduled for March 2026.

How the Shortage Affects Your Treatment

If you've been prescribed Anktiva + BCG, here's how the current supply situation might impact you:

• Treatment delays: Your doctor may need to postpone your induction course until BCG becomes available at your treatment center
• Adjusted schedules: Some providers are modifying maintenance schedules to stretch limited BCG supply
• Center-to-center variation: One treatment center may have BCG while another doesn't — availability can change week to week
• Referral to larger centers: Your doctor may refer you to a larger academic medical center that has priority access to BCG supply

What You Can Do Right Now

Don't wait passively for the shortage to resolve. Here are proactive steps you can take:

1. Call the ImmunityBio CARE Program

Reach out to the CARE program at 1-877-ANKTIVA (1-877-265-8482). They can help you:

• Find treatment centers with current Anktiva and BCG availability
• Navigate insurance and prior authorization
• Access financial assistance programs

2. Use MedFinder

Visit MedFinder.com to search for Anktiva availability at treatment centers near you. MedFinder tracks specialty medication stock across providers.

3. Ask About BCG Allocation

When you contact a treatment center, ask specifically about their BCG supply status. Some centers receive regular BCG shipments while others are experiencing intermittent availability.

4. Consider Your Alternatives

If the combined shortage makes Anktiva + BCG inaccessible in a timely manner, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. Options like Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Gemcitabine/Docetaxel don't require BCG.

5. Ask About Clinical Trials

ImmunityBio is running expanded access programs for its recombinant BCG, which has already been given to over 570 patients at 58 sites. Ask your doctor if you might be eligible for a trial that provides BCG access alongside Anktiva.

Insurance and Cost Considerations During the Shortage

The shortage doesn't change your insurance coverage for Anktiva — but timing matters. Keep these points in mind:

• Start prior authorization early. Don't wait until BCG is available to begin the insurance process for Anktiva
• Coverage won't expire immediately. Most prior authorizations are valid for a set period, so getting approved now means you're ready when supply arrives
• Financial assistance is still available. The copay program ($100 per dose for eligible commercially insured patients) and patient assistance programs remain active. See our guide on saving money on Anktiva.

What's Coming: Reasons for Optimism

While the current situation is challenging, there are several positive developments on the horizon:

• Recombinant BCG progress: ImmunityBio's rBCG could significantly ease the BCG shortage once approved
• European expansion: The European Medicines Agency has recommended conditional marketing authorization for Anktiva, which could lead to increased global manufacturing capacity
• Growing provider network: More treatment centers are adding Anktiva to their formularies each quarter
• Expanded indications: ImmunityBio submitted a supplemental BLA for papillary-only disease, which could broaden the patient population and drive further investment in supply

Stay Informed

The supply situation can change quickly. Stay connected with your treatment team and check back for updates. You can also bookmark MedFinder.com to monitor availability.

Related Articles

• Why Is Anktiva So Hard to Find?
• How to Find Anktiva in Stock Near You
• Alternatives to Anktiva
• Anktiva Shortage: What Providers Need to Know