Akebia Acquires Rare Kidney Drug AKB-097 for $7M
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 01 2025
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Akebia Therapeutics (AKBA) announced the establishment of its rare kidney disease pipeline. The pipeline is comprised of two core product candidates: ADX-097, a potential next generation complement inhibitor, now referred to as AKB-097, and praliciguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator. Akebia acquired all rights to AKB-097, a tissue-targeted C3d-Factor H fusion protein complement inhibitor, from Q32 Bio Inc. (QTTB) and believes AKB-097 has applicability across a wide range of complement-mediated rare kidney diseases. AKB-097 is targeted to the sites of complement activation in tissues and is not expected to result in systemic complement inhibition seen with other inhibitors. On November 28, 2025, Akebia and Q32 Bio signed an Asset Purchase Agreement under which Akebia acquired global rights to Q32 Bio's ADX-097. In consideration, Akebia paid Q32 Bio an upfront payment of $7M. Akebia will also make a $3M payment upon the six-month anniversary of the closing, as well as additional development and regulatory milestones, commercial milestones and tiered royalties on annual net sales of AKB-097.
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Analyst Views on AKBA
Wall Street analysts forecast AKBA stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for AKBA is 5.67 USD with a low forecast of 5.00 USD and a high forecast of 6.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 1.450
Low
5.00
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5.67
High
6.00
Current: 1.450
Low
5.00
Averages
5.67
High
6.00
About AKBA
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with two commercial products for patients impacted by kidney disease. The Company's portfolio includes Vafseo and Auryxia. Vafseo is an orally administered medicine, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adult patients on dialysis for at least three months. Auryxia (ferric citrate) is an orally administered medicine approved and marketed in the United States for two indications: the control of serum phosphorus levels in adult patients with dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (DD-CKD), and the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adult patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD). Its HIF-based product candidates and other pipeline assets are being evaluated to target areas of unmet needs. Its product candidates include AKB-9090, AKB-10108, AKB-097 and praliciguat.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Akebia Doses First Patient in Phase 2 Trial of Praliciguat for FSGS
- Trial Initiation: Akebia Therapeutics has announced the dosing of the first patient in the Phase 2 clinical trial of Praliciguat, its lead drug candidate for FSGS, potentially addressing the needs of approximately 40,000 patients in the U.S. without approved treatments.
- Study Design: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Praliciguat in reducing the risk of kidney failure, primarily monitoring changes in the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, which is critical for clinical outcomes.
- Patient Recruitment: Approximately 60 patients will be randomized to receive either Praliciguat or placebo for a 24-week treatment period, after which all participants will transition to an open-label extension to further assess the drug's long-term effects.
- Product Portfolio: Akebia is also advancing other candidates like Vafseo, currently in Phase III development, and AKB-9090 for treating acute kidney injury, indicating a robust pipeline in the renal disease sector.
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Akebia Doses First Patient in Phase 2 Trial of Praliciguat for FSGS
- Trial Initiation: Akebia Therapeutics has successfully dosed the first patient in its Phase 2 clinical trial for praliciguat targeting FSGS, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of rare kidney diseases.
- Patient Enrollment and Design: The trial aims to enroll approximately 60 patients, who will be randomized to receive either praliciguat or placebo for an initial 24-week treatment period, designed to evaluate the drug's efficacy and safety.
- Market Demand: FSGS affects around 40,000 patients in the U.S. with no approved treatments available, and the development of praliciguat is poised to fill this market gap, addressing urgent patient needs.
- Safety Profile: Previous Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies have shown praliciguat to have a favorable safety profile with no significant adverse events reported, establishing a solid foundation for its application in rare kidney disease treatment.
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