Akebia Therapeutics Stock Surges 2.99% as Vafseo Trial Data Cuts Dialysis Patient Hospitalization Risk

The share price rose to its highest level so far this month, with an intraday gain of 2.99%.

Akebia Therapeutics’ stock climbed on renewed optimism around its lead drug, Vafseo, following clinical trial data showing the therapy reduced the risk of mortality or hospitalization in dialysis patients. The post-hoc analysis from the INNO2VATE trials, presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2025, highlighted Vafseo’s potential to lower healthcare costs by curbing hospitalizations, a key metric for payers and providers. However, safety concerns persist: the drug is not recommended for non-dialysis patients or those with active malignancies due to elevated risks of adverse events. Analysts note the data could drive adoption among nephrologists but may face hurdles in proving cost-effectiveness against cheaper generic alternatives.

Investor sentiment remains closely tied to Akebia’s upcoming quarterly earnings report on November 10. The company faces pressure to deliver revenue growth amid a negative P/E ratio and weak operating cash flow. While the clinical data for Vafseo offers a near-term catalyst, long-term success hinges on its ability to navigate regulatory scrutiny and expand market access. With the stock trading near multi-month highs, the earnings call will be critical in shaping perceptions of management’s ability to balance financial stability with commercial growth. The broader biopharma sector’s volatility, driven by clinical and regulatory risks, ensures continued sensitivity to near-term developments.