Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AARD), a biopharmaceutical company in the clinical stage, has announced plans to present significant research at ObesityWeek 2025, taking place from November 4 to 7 in Atlanta, Georgia. The company specializes in developing innovative small-molecule therapies aimed at activating innate homeostatic pathways for metabolic disease treatment.
During this event, Aardvark will deliver poster presentations showcasing two key studies. The first presentation, titled “TAS2R Pan-Agonist ARD-101 Attenuates Weight Gain in Mice and Reduces Hunger in Adults with Obesity,” will be held on November 4, 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET, featuring Timothy Kieffer, Ph.D., the Chief Scientific Officer.
The second presentation, “An Isoflavonoid Modulator of Oxidative Metabolism with Therapeutic Potential in Obesity and Diabetes (WE-868),” will also take place on November 4, 2025, at the same time, presented by Tien Lee, M.D., the Chief Executive Officer.
Additionally, Aardvark will conduct an investor webinar on November 5, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. ET, where the company will discuss findings related to ARD-101, ARD-201, and WE-868 presented at ObesityWeek. The webinar will include insights from leading experts in obesity drug development and a discussion regarding ARD-101″s implications for Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), featuring representatives from the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association – USA. This live event will be accessible on the Aardvark website under the Investors section, and a recording will be available for one month post-event.
ARD-101 is designed as a gut-restricted small molecule agonist that targets specific taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in the intestinal lumen. By acting as a potent pan-agonist of bitter taste receptors, ARD-101 prompts enteroendocrine cells to release various gut-peptide hormones, such as GLP-1 and cholecystokinin (CCK), both of which are critical in regulating hunger through gut-brain signaling. Clinical trials suggest that ARD-101 can effectively reduce hunger, both alone and in conjunction with existing GLP-1 therapies. The FDA has recognized ARD-101 with both Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for its use in treating PWS. Currently, it is being tested in the Phase 3 HERO trial focused on hyperphagia related to PWS.
ARD-201, another promising compound, is an oral fixed-dose combination that includes a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor alongside ARD-101. This combination works by enhancing the body”s natural signals for satiety, as TAS2Rs and DPP-4 inhibitors both play pivotal roles in regulating food intake. Aardvark is advancing ARD-201 through two Phase 2 trials: the POWER trial, aimed at evaluating its ability to prevent weight regain in individuals who stop GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy after significant weight loss, and the STRENGTH trial, which will assess its potential for placebo-adjusted weight loss in conjunction with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy.
WE-868 represents a novel approach in modulating mitochondrial energy metabolism without directly inhibiting the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, and is currently under investigation in preclinical studies for obesity and diabetes treatment.
Aardvark Therapeutics is dedicated to developing innovative therapies to suppress hunger, particularly for conditions like PWS characterized by insatiable hunger. The company aims to explore therapeutic applications for hunger-related disorders while considering complementary treatments with appetite-suppressing therapies. To learn more, visit aardvarktherapeutics.com.
Statements in this communication may contain forward-looking statements regarding future expectations and plans, which could differ from actual results due to various factors. Investors should consult Aardvark”s Quarterly Report for risks associated with the company”s business and prospects.
For further inquiries, please contact: Carolyn Hawley, Inizio Evoke Comms, (619) 849-5382, [email protected].
