The article explains the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool, which identifies stocks likely to beat earnings estimates by comparing the most accurate analyst estimates to consensus estimates. When combined with a Zacks Rank #3 or better, this approach has historically resulted in positive surprises 70% of the time with ~28% average annual returns. Two medical stocks highlighted as examples are Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA) with a +22.22% ESP and Gilead Sciences (GILD) with a +2.18% ESP, both positioned to potentially beat their upcoming earnings reports.

The article highlights two medical stocks with positive Earnings Surprise Prediction (ESP) metrics that could outperform expectations: Align Technology (ALGN) with a +1.23% ESP ahead of October 28 earnings, and Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA) with a +22.22% ESP before November 5 earnings. Both stocks hold a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating, and positive ESP combined with favorable rankings historically produce positive surprises 70% of the time.

Iovance Biotherapeutics announced the appointment of Noah Berkowitz, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer effective September 30, 2026. Berkowitz brings extensive experience in global drug development and cell therapy from previous roles at Arvinas Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb, where he led clinical strategies resulting in FDA approvals for CAR-T cell therapies and other treatments. He will lead Iovance's TIL platform development across multiple solid tumor cancers.

Iovance Biotherapeutics raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $410-$420 million from $350-$370 million, driven by strong patient demand for its therapies Amtagvi and Proleukin. The stock surged 31.5% following the announcement. Amtagvi, the first FDA-approved TIL therapy for melanoma, generated $151 million in sales in H1 2026 with 54% year-over-year growth, and the company plans to expand authorized treatment centers from 100 to at least 110 by year-end.

Iovance Biotherapeutics shares surged 31.5% to $14.45 after the company raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $410-$420 million from $350-$370 million. The stock is expected to report quarterly revenues of $106.85 million (up 58.4% year-over-year) with a loss of $0.12 per share. However, analysts note that without recent earnings estimate revisions, the stock's momentum may not sustain, and the company carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

Biotech companies are increasingly directing capital toward oncology therapeutics, with over $3.9 billion of venture capital flowing into cancer and immunology drug developers in H1 2026. The global oncology drugs market is projected to grow from $256.5 billion in 2025 to nearly $700 billion by 2034, prompting investors to consider biotech ETFs for diversified exposure to this growth opportunity rather than individual stocks.

Iovance Biotherapeutics announced the grant of inducement stock options covering 179,750 shares to eighteen new non-executive employees on September 17, 2026. The options have an exercise price of $10.02 and vest over three years under the company's Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Plan.

Biotech M&A activity has accelerated sharply in 2026, with deal value reaching $130 billion in H1 alone. Four biotech companies—Abivax, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Viking Therapeutics, and BioCryst Pharmaceuticals—are highlighted as potential acquisition targets due to their differentiated late-stage assets and strategic positioning in high-growth therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, obesity, and rare diseases.

Iovance Biotherapeutics announced that senior leadership will present at the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference (September 10) and H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference (September 15). The company reported record Q2 2026 revenue of approximately $99M, with U.S. Amtagvi revenue reaching ~$91M and 66% year-over-year growth. Gross margin improved to 56%, and the FDA granted Fast Track Designation for lifileucel in soft tissue sarcomas.

DelveInsight released a comprehensive analysis of the advanced endometrial cancer clinical trial pipeline, identifying 25+ active pharmaceutical companies developing 26+ pipeline drugs. The report highlights emerging therapies including immunotherapies, targeted agents, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) from major players like Pfizer, Genmab, and Incyte Corporation. Recent developments include FDA Fast Track designation for Faeth Therapeutics' PIKTOR combination therapy and positive Phase III results for Merck's sacituzumab tirumotecan, indicating significant momentum in reshaping the advanced endometrial cancer treatment landscape.

Iovance Biotherapeutics reported strong Q2 earnings with revenue of $99.3 million (up 66% year-over-year), driven primarily by its FDA-approved cancer treatment Amtagvi. The company also significantly reduced losses to $47.3 million from $111.7 million in the prior year. With blockbuster potential for Amtagvi and a path toward profitability, analysts believe the stock could rise further despite current valuation concerns.

Iovance Biotherapeutics announced the grant of inducement stock options covering 139,930 shares to seventeen new non-executive employees on July 16, 2026, with an exercise price of $4.66 per share and a three-year vesting schedule. The grants were made under the company's Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Plan in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).