Aardvark Therapeutics

Targeting the biological drive for hunger to treat obesity & metabolic diseases

Differentiating hunger vs appetite: Hunger, the feeling that drives the physiological need to eat, is different from appetite, the desire for food. By tapping the natural defense mechanism behind bitter taste receptors, Aardvark’s lead therapeutic candidate targets the signaling pathways for hunger to restore satiety and metabolic balance for hyperphagia-driven diseases (a severe and insatiable feeling of hunger).
Solving the GLP-1 shortcoming in obesity: Aardvark aims to solve the problems of lean mass loss and GLP-1 weight rebound following withdrawal, while reducing GI side effects and potentially eliminating the need for injections.
Key Events in 2026:
- Topline data from the Phase 3 HERO trial evaluating ARD-101 for the treatment of hyperphagia associated with PWS in 3Q 2026
- Initiation of the Phase 2 POWER trial evaluating ARD-201’s potential to prevent weight regain in subjects who discontinue GLP-1RA therapy after achieving substantial prior weight loss (~15%) in 2H 2025
- Initiation of the Phase 2 STRENGTH trial evaluating placebo-adjusted weight loss and the additive effects of ARD-201 combined with GLP-1RA therapy in 1H 2026