Ari Maizel, the Chief Commercial Officer at Axsome Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:AXSM), completed a sale of 7,500 shares of the company's common stock on January 21, 2026, realizing proceeds totaling approximately $1.38 million. These shares were sold at an average price of $184.44 per share, with individual transaction prices spanning from $183.70 to $184.81.
This disposition took place as Axsome's equity approached a 52-week peak, trading near $191.50 per share and achieving an impressive total return of 80.35% over the prior twelve months. The company holds a market capitalization valued at approximately $9.37 billion, according to InvestingPro data.
Concurrently on that same date, Maizel exercised stock options to acquire an additional 7,500 shares at a strike price of $70.73 per share. This option exercise amounted to a transaction value of $530,475. Both the sale and option exercise were implemented under a predetermined 10b5-1 trading plan, which is designed to allow insiders to sell shares without concerns regarding insider trading regulations.
Despite not generating net profit in the most recent twelve-month period, Axsome Therapeutics sustains substantial gross profit margins, measured at 91.86%. Market analysts anticipate approximately 13% upside potential relative to current share prices, reflecting optimistic forecasts.
Additional corporate developments include Axsome's preliminary and unaudited financial disclosures projecting total product revenues around $196 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. This anticipated figure demonstrates a strong year-over-year growth of 65% compared to the corresponding quarter in 2024.
These positive financial and operational updates prompted multiple analyst firms to revise their price targets higher. H.C. Wainwright elevated its target to $260 and maintained a Buy rating. Piper Sandler lifted its price expectation to $223 following engagements with Axsome management concerning commercial factors impacting the company's drug, Auvelity. Baird also increased its target to $209, citing vigorous sales momentum of the Auvelity and Sunosi products.
Further advancing its clinical pipeline, Axsome has commenced a Phase 3 trial for AXS-14, an investigational therapy aimed at managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an Overweight rating accompanied by a $153 price target, highlighting Axsome's strategic positioning and sound financial footing.
These developments collectively underscore Axsome Therapeutics’ ongoing efforts to capitalize on growth opportunities and strengthen its commercial presence within the pharmaceutical sector.