Akouos, Inc. (AKUS) Stock Analysis
DELISTED 2022
What happened to Akouos, Inc. (AKUS) stock?
Akouos, Inc. (AKUS) no longer trades on public markets. It was delisted in November 2022. The figures below are historical and are not a current quote.
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Akouos, Inc. (AKUS) trades at $13.29. Akouos, Inc. is a precision genetic medicine company focused on developing gene therapies for hearing loss. Their platform utilizes adeno-associated viral vectors to target genes responsible for various forms of hearing impairment. Sector: Healthcare.
Last analyzed: May 10, 2026Analyst Coverage for AKUS: AKUS does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates AKUS against Healthcare peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a neutral fundamental signal based on the underlying data.
AKUS: the 2 scored disciplines are evenly split. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bullish.
How is this calculated? →Akouos, Inc. (AKUS) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
Akouos, Inc. is a biotechnology company pioneering precision genetic medicines for hearing loss, leveraging its proprietary AAV vector library and novel delivery methods. Their lead candidate, AK-OTOF, targets OTOF gene mutations, positioning them at the forefront of genetic hearing restoration therapies within the healthcare sector.
What Is the Investment Thesis for AKUS?
Akouos, Inc. presents a notable research candidate within the biotechnology sector, driven by its innovative precision genetic medicine platform targeting hearing loss. The company's lead candidate, AK-OTOF, holds significant promise for treating hearing loss due to OTOF gene mutations, a substantial unmet medical need. Positive clinical trial data for AK-OTOF could serve as a major catalyst, driving significant value appreciation. Furthermore, the development of AK-CLRN1 for Usher syndrome 3A and AK-antiVEGF for vestibular schwannoma diversifies the pipeline and expands the potential market reach. However, the inherent risks associated with gene therapy development, including regulatory hurdles and manufacturing challenges, must be considered. The company's beta of -0.56 suggests lower volatility than the market.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
AKUS Key Highlights
Akouos, Inc. is pioneering precision genetic medicines for hearing loss, a significant unmet medical need.
- The company's lead product candidate, AK-OTOF, targets hearing loss due to mutations in the OTOF gene.
- Akouos's precision genetic medicine platform incorporates a proprietary adeno-associated viral vector library.
- The company is also developing AK-CLRN1 for Usher syndrome 3A and AK-antiVEGF for vestibular schwannoma.
- Akouos was founded in 2016 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Who Are AKUS's Competitors?
AKUS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VRTX Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated | $540.26 | -2.14% | $137B | 98 |
| REGN Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $835.15 | -0.68% | $86.0B | 94 |
| ALNY Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $229.30 | -5.49% | $30.7B | 92 |
| RPRX Royalty Pharma plc | $60.58 | -1.86% | $26.9B | 75 |
| INCY Incyte Corporation | $127.80 | -0.53% | $25.9B | 99 |
| UTHR United Therapeutics Corporation | $520.23 | -1.68% | $22.1B | 98 |
| NBIX Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. | $153.42 | -1.37% | $15.4B | 93 |
| EXEL Exelixis, Inc. | $53.69 | -1.29% | $13.5B | 98 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are AKUS's Key Strengths?
Proprietary AAV vector library and delivery approach.
- Focus on precision genetic medicine for hearing loss.
- Lead product candidate (AK-OTOF) targeting a specific genetic mutation.
- Experienced management team with expertise in gene therapy development.
What Are AKUS's Weaknesses?
Early-stage company with limited revenue.
- Reliance on successful development and commercialization of its gene therapies.
- High research and development costs.
- Potential regulatory hurdles and manufacturing challenges.
What Could Drive AKUS Stock Higher?
Initial data readout from Phase 1/2 clinical trial of AK-OTOF.
- Advancement of AK-CLRN1 into clinical development.
- Expansion of Akouos's precision genetic medicine platform to address additional genetic targets.
- Strategic partnerships and collaborations to accelerate development and commercialization.
What Are the Key Risks for AKUS?
Negative return on equity (-31.8%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- Unfavorable data from clinical trials of AK-OTOF or other gene therapies.
- Regulatory delays or rejection of Akouos's gene therapies.
- Manufacturing challenges or supply chain disruptions.
- Competition from other companies developing hearing loss treatments.
- Intellectual property challenges or patent disputes.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for AKUS?
- Expansion of AK-OTOF Clinical Trials: Akouos has the opportunity to expand its clinical trials for AK-OTOF to include a broader range of patients with OTOF-related hearing loss. Positive data from these trials could accelerate regulatory approval and expand the potential market for AK-OTOF.
- Advancement of AK-CLRN1 for Usher Syndrome 3A: The development of AK-CLRN1 for Usher syndrome 3A represents a significant growth opportunity for Akouos. Usher syndrome is a leading cause of combined hearing and vision loss, and there are currently no approved treatments for the underlying genetic cause. Successful development and commercialization of AK-CLRN1 could address a substantial unmet medical need and generate significant revenue for the company.
- Development of AK-antiVEGF for Vestibular Schwannoma: Akouos is developing AK-antiVEGF for the treatment of vestibular schwannoma, a benign tumor that can cause hearing loss and balance problems. This represents a potential expansion of Akouos's therapeutic focus beyond genetic hearing loss. The market for vestibular schwannoma treatments is growing, driven by increasing diagnosis rates and a need for less invasive treatment options.
- Platform Expansion to Address Other Genetic Hearing Loss Targets: Akouos's precision genetic medicine platform can be leveraged to develop gene therapies for other genetic causes of hearing loss. This represents a long-term growth opportunity for the company. By expanding its pipeline to address a wider range of genetic targets, Akouos can solidify its position as a leader in the field of genetic hearing loss treatments.
- Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: Akouos can pursue strategic partnerships and collaborations with other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development and commercialization of its gene therapies. These partnerships could provide access to additional funding, expertise, and resources. Collaborations with academic institutions and research organizations could also help to advance the company's research and development efforts.
What Threats Does AKUS Face?
- Competition from other companies developing hearing loss treatments.
- Potential safety concerns or adverse events associated with gene therapy.
- Changes in regulatory requirements or reimbursement policies.
- Intellectual property challenges.
What Are AKUS's Competitive Advantages?
- Proprietary adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector library.
- Novel delivery approach for targeting cells within the inner ear.
- Strong intellectual property portfolio protecting its gene therapies.
- Expertise in precision genetic medicine for hearing loss.
What Does AKUS Do?
Akouos, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a precision genetic medicine company dedicated to restoring, improving, and preserving physiologic hearing for individuals with hearing loss. The company's core strategy revolves around developing targeted gene therapies that address the underlying genetic causes of hearing impairment. Their precision genetic medicine platform is built upon a proprietary adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector library and a novel delivery approach designed to effectively target and transduce cells within the inner ear. Akouos's lead product candidate, AK-OTOF, is a gene therapy specifically designed for the treatment of hearing loss resulting from mutations in the OTOF gene, which encodes otoferlin, a protein crucial for auditory neurotransmission. In addition to AK-OTOF, Akouos is also developing AK-CLRN1 for the auditory manifestations of Usher syndrome 3A (USH3A), a genetic disorder that causes both hearing and vision loss. Furthermore, the company is advancing AK-antiVEGF for the treatment of vestibular schwannoma, a benign tumor of the vestibulocochlear nerve that can lead to hearing loss and balance problems. Akouos's broader platform also aims to address hearing loss related to genes essential for supporting cell function within the inner ear, demonstrating a commitment to a wide range of genetic hearing impairments.
What Products and Services Does AKUS Offer?
- Develop gene therapies for hearing loss.
- Utilize a precision genetic medicine platform.
- Target specific genes responsible for hearing impairment.
- Employ adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for gene delivery.
- Focus on restoring, improving, and preserving physiologic hearing.
- Address hearing loss due to mutations in the OTOF gene with AK-OTOF.
- Develop AK-CLRN1 for Usher syndrome 3A.
- Develop AK-antiVEGF for vestibular schwannoma.
How Does AKUS Make Money?
- Develops and patents gene therapies for hearing loss.
- Conducts preclinical and clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
- Seeks regulatory approval from agencies like the FDA.
- Commercializes approved gene therapies or partners with other companies for commercialization.
What Industry Does AKUS Operate In?
Akouos, Inc. operates within the rapidly evolving biotechnology industry, specifically focusing on gene therapy for hearing loss. The market for hearing loss treatments is substantial, driven by an aging population and increasing noise exposure. The competitive landscape includes companies developing traditional hearing aids, cochlear implants, and emerging gene therapies. Akouos differentiates itself through its precision genetic medicine platform and targeted approach to addressing specific genetic causes of hearing loss. The gene therapy market is projected to experience significant growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing regulatory approvals.
Who Are AKUS's Key Customers?
- Individuals with hearing loss due to genetic mutations.
- Healthcare providers who treat patients with hearing loss.
- Hospitals and clinics that offer gene therapy treatments.
- Pharmaceutical companies that may partner with Akouos for commercialization.
Company Profile
Akouos, Inc. operates in the Biotechnology industry within the Healthcare sector. It is headquartered in Boston, US. The company is led by CEO Emmanuel Simons. AKUS has traded publicly since 2020.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Akouos, Inc. stands at -31.8%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -31.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. A current ratio of 14.06 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is -37.2%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
AKUS Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in Akouos' future prospects, indicating that those closest to the company believe in its potential.
- Community sentiment has leaned positive, with discussions highlighting the innovative gene therapy approach that could set Akouos apart in the biotech space.
- Recent clinical trial updates have generated excitement, with investors expressing optimism about the potential efficacy of their treatments.
- Strategic partnerships and collaborations announced recently have bolstered market perception, suggesting a solid path for growth and development.
Bear Case
- Concerns over the competitive landscape in gene therapy could dampen investor enthusiasm, as established players pose significant challenges.
- Community discussions have reflected skepticism about the timeline for product development, with some investors worried about potential delays.
- Market sentiment has been cautious due to broader economic uncertainties, which can negatively impact funding and investment in biotech sectors.
- Recent regulatory hurdles faced by similar companies have raised red flags, leading to apprehension about Akouos navigating its own regulatory landscape.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
AKUS Latest News
No recent news available for AKUS.
Leadership: Emmanuel Simons
CEO
Emmanuel Simons serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Akouos, Inc. His background encompasses extensive experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Prior to joining Akouos, he held leadership positions at various companies focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies. His expertise spans strategic planning, business development, and product commercialization. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Akouos, guiding the company's vision and strategic direction in the field of genetic hearing loss treatments.
Track Record: Under Emmanuel Simons's leadership, Akouos has advanced its lead product candidate, AK-OTOF, through preclinical and clinical development. He has overseen the expansion of the company's pipeline to include additional gene therapies for hearing loss. Simons has also been instrumental in securing funding and establishing strategic partnerships to support Akouos's growth and development.
Common Questions About AKUS (Healthcare)
What happened to Akouos, Inc. (AKUS) stock?
Akouos, Inc. (AKUS) no longer trades on public markets. It was delisted in November 2022. The figures below are historical and are not a current quote.
Can I still buy AKUS shares?
No. AKUS stopped trading on public markets in November 2022, so the shares are not available through a broker. Anything you see quoted for AKUS elsewhere is historical data, not a live market.
Are the figures on this page current?
No. Every number here is the last value recorded before AKUS stopped trading. Nothing on this page updates, and none of it is a current quote.
Why does this page still exist?
Because people still search for what happened to Akouos, Inc.. An archived profile that states the delisting plainly is more useful than a dead link — provided it is labelled as history, which is what this page does.
What does Akouos, Inc. do?
Akouos, Inc. is a precision genetic medicine company focused on developing gene therapies to address the underlying genetic causes of hearing loss. The company's lead product candidate, AK-OTOF, is designed to treat hearing loss due to mutations in the OTOF gene.
What do analysts say about AKUS stock?
Analyst coverage of Akouos, Inc. typically focuses on the potential of its gene therapy platform and the progress of its clinical trials. Key valuation metrics include the potential market size for AK-OTOF and other pipeline candidates, as well as the company's cash runway and burn rate.
What are the main risks for AKUS?
The main risks for Akouos, Inc. include the inherent challenges associated with gene therapy development, such as potential safety concerns, manufacturing complexities, and regulatory hurdles. Clinical trial outcomes are uncertain, and unfavorable data could significantly impact the company's prospects. Competition from other companies developing hearing loss treatments also poses a risk.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
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- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Investment decisions should be based on individual risk tolerance and financial circumstances.