Mizuho lifts Axsome stock target to $216 on ADHD study optimism

Published 26/03/2025, 13:56
Mizuho lifts Axsome stock target to $216 on ADHD study optimism

On Wednesday, Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities demonstrated confidence in Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AXSM), a $5.87 billion market cap biotech company, by increasing the company’s price target from $212.00 to $216.00, while maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock. According to InvestingPro data, the stock appears undervalued based on its Fair Value model. The decision came after Axsome announced positive top-line results from their Phase 3 FOCUS study for solriamfetol in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Despite the encouraging study outcomes, Axsome shares experienced a 7% decline on Tuesday, which was a steeper drop compared to the 2% fall observed in the XBI, the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF. Mizuho analysts expressed that the market’s reaction seemed misplaced given the positive data.

The research firm’s optimism is partly due to Axsome’s upcoming standard pediatric study, which is a necessary step for gaining FDA approval. Analysts at Mizuho are bullish on the potential of solriamfetol as a novel non-stimulant-based treatment option for ADHD, a market with a significant need for new therapies.

Mizuho’s increased price target reflects an adjustment in their probability of success assumption for solriamfetol, raising it to 75% from the previous 50%. The new target of $216.00 is now the highest on Wall Street for Axsome shares. The firm reiterated its Outperform rating, citing Axsome as one of the top growth narratives within their coverage universe.

In other recent news, Axsome Therapeutics announced that its Phase III FOCUS trial for solriamfetol in adults with ADHD met its primary and key secondary endpoints. The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in ADHD symptoms with the 150 mg dose, achieving a 45% mean reduction from baseline, while the 300 mg dose did not show statistical significance. The study involved 516 adults and reported that the treatment was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Guggenheim analysts maintained a Buy rating on Axsome shares with a $195 price target, expressing confidence in the drug’s potential despite mixed results. They emphasized that improvements were seen as early as the first week of treatment. Meanwhile, TD Cowen analyst Joseph Thome noted the lack of dose response but found the 150 mg dose’s benefit encouraging. Axsome’s CEO expressed optimism about solriamfetol’s potential and plans to initiate a pediatric trial later this year. Additionally, Cantor Fitzgerald’s report on the biotech sector highlights potential opportunities for revenue-generating companies, despite recent market challenges.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.