Aardvark Therapeutics files IPO to advance lead candidate targeting obesity – PharmaLive
Aardvark Therapeutics recently filed for an IPO amid a flurry of news in the weight-loss sector, joining rival Metsera in the public offering arena. The company did not disclose the specific financial goal of the IPO but intends to utilize the capital raised to propel the clinical progression of its lead drug candidate, ARD-101, as well as its companion drug ARD-201, designed for hyperphagia treatment.
Unlike numerous companies vying to challenge the dominance of Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in the GLP-1 realm, Aardvark is taking a unique approach. ARD-101 operates by inhibiting bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) proteins in the gut lumen, prompting the body to release GLP-1, GLP-2, and the satiety hormone cholecystokinin, aiming to curb hunger pangs.
After conducting a series of Phase II trials in 2023, ARD-101 evidently reduced hunger levels across various conditions, including common obesity. Presently, Aardvark is progressing ARD-101 in Phase II trials for hyperphagia linked to hypothalamic obesity, as well as in Phase III investigations for hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi syndrome. This rare genetic disorder manifests with symptoms like muscle weakness, delayed growth, and lifelong feelings of insatiable hunger, leading to obesity and type II diabetes.
Aardvark’s groundbreaking approach to tackling obesity through distinct mechanisms sets it apart in an increasingly crowded weight-loss drug market. As it navigates the IPO landscape, the company remains dedicated to advancing its innovative therapies to address the pressing need for effective treatments in the obesity space.
