Akero Therapeutics, trading as NASDAQ: AKRO, has made significant strides as a leading healthcare stock, following a successful Phase 2b clinical trial of its drug, efruxifermin (EFX). The SYMMETRY study revealed that 39% of patients on a 50mg dose demonstrated a reversal of compensated cirrhosis over 96 weeks, significantly better than the 15% observed in the placebo group. This promising outcome has drawn attention to Akero's potential in advancing treatment for liver conditions.
In response to these developments, several leading financial institutions have upgraded their ratings for Akero's stock, accompanied by considerable increases in price targets. Bank of America has shifted its rating from "neutral" to "buy," boosting the price target from $35.00 to $63.00. Morgan Stanley saw even greater potential, maintaining an "overweight" rating and raising its target from $46.00 to $96.00. UBS Group went further, increasing its price target from $42.00 to $109.00 and giving it a "buy" rating.
Moreover, Akero's financial position bolsters its appeal. The company reported $797.8 million in cash and equivalents by the end of 2024, further enhanced by an additional $402.5 million raised in January 2025. This robust financial backing provides Akero with an operational runway well into 2028. Reacting to these financial and clinical successes, Akero's stock surged by 106.57% during the week of January 27–31, 2025, indicating strong investor confidence amid these positive developments.