Aura Biosciences Inc (AURA)

In the past six months, Aura Biosciences reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results, with a net loss for the full year 2024 of $86.9 million. The company also reported its first-quarter and second-quarter 2025 financial results, with a net loss of $27.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The global Phase 3 CoMpass trial for early-stage choroidal melanoma continues to advance and is actively enrolling patients. Positive Phase 1 trial data for bel-sar in NMIBC was presented at the 40th Annual European Association of Urology Congress. A Phase 2 trial in metastases to the choroid was initiated, with initial data expected in 2025. CTO Mark Plavsic sold 12,169 shares of the company's stock for a total of $77,273.15, reducing his ownership by 5.81%. Anthony S. Gibney, Chief Financial and Business Officer, acquired 50,000 shares valued at $245,000, and Director David Michael Johnson purchased 20,000 shares for $98,000. Aura Biosciences raised approximately $69.9 million through a public offering of common stock and warrants. As of October 27, 2025, Aura Biosciences has a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from six brokerages, with an average one-year price target of $20.50.

There is no publicly available information that directly describes demand seasonality for Aura Biosciences' products and services. As a clinical-stage biotechnology company with its lead product candidate, bel-sar, still in development and not yet commercially available, traditional demand seasonality for product sales would not apply at this stage. Demand for its services primarily relates to its ongoing clinical trials, which are driven by patient enrollment and research timelines rather than seasonal consumer patterns.

Aura Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for solid tumors, particularly those that preserve organ function. The company's core technology is its virus-like drug conjugate (VDC) platform, which is designed to target various solid tumors. Their lead product candidate, bel-sar (AU-011), is in late-stage clinical development for primary choroidal melanoma and other ocular oncology indications, as well as early-stage development for bladder cancer. Aura Biosciences aims to address unmet medical needs in rare cancers, offering vision-preserving treatment options for conditions like choroidal melanoma.

Aura Biosciences is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. While its primary operations are based in the United States, the company's clinical trials, including the Phase 3 CoMpass trial for early-stage choroidal melanoma, are enrolling patients globally, with increasing momentum in the United States and the European Union.

Information directly addressing Aura Biosciences' brand reputation in the past year is not explicitly available. However, the company's reputation is likely influenced by its clinical trial progress, financial performance, and analyst coverage. The consistent "Moderate Buy" to "Strong Buy" ratings from analysts and positive updates on its clinical pipeline suggest a generally favorable perception within the investment and scientific communities. The company's focus on addressing high unmet medical needs in oncology also contributes positively to its standing.

Aura Biosciences has significant institutional ownership, with 43% of the company owned by institutions. A group of 7 investors holds a combined 52% stake. The largest shareholder is Matrix Capital Management Company, LP, holding 11% of the outstanding shares, followed by another large shareholder with 8.2%. Frazier Life Sciences Management L.P. acquired a new position valued at $31.926 million in the second quarter of 2025. Nantahala Capital Management LLC increased its stake by 67.1% in the second quarter, owning 2,117,697 shares valued at $13.257 million. Long Focus Capital Management LLC also raised its stake by 30.8% in the first quarter.