Pharma Stock Soars to Record Highs on FDA Buzz

Core Insights - Axsome Therapeutics Inc's stock is experiencing significant gains, rising 19% to $177.13 after the FDA granted priority review for its Alzheimer's disease agitation drug AXS-05 [1] - Analysts from Needham and TD Cowen have reiterated "buy" ratings, with Needham increasing its price target from $154 to $169 [1] - The stock is on track for its largest single-day percentage gain since February, reaching a record peak of $178.99 [2] Stock Performance - If current gains are maintained, Axsome Therapeutics is projected to finish 2025 with over 100% year-to-date gain [2] - The options market has seen a surge, with AXSM's options volume reaching ten times its average daily volume, particularly in the January 2026 185-strike call [2] Short Interest - A portion of the stock's increase may be due to short covering, as short interest accounts for 6.8% of the stock's available float [3] - It would take over five days for short sellers to buy back their borrowed shares based on the stock's average trading pace [3]