Aardvark Therapeutics is focused on developing small molecule therapeutics that leverage the body's gut-brain signaling mechanisms to address metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Central to their approach is the exploration of bitter taste receptors (Tas2Rs), a class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are widely conserved across vertebrates. These receptors play a crucial role in detecting potential toxins and triggering protective "anti-toxin" responses, which Aardvark aims to harness for therapeutic benefits. Their lead product, ARD-101, is a first-in-class oral drug designed to have low systemic exposure while still eliciting significant systemic effects through the activation of gut peptide hormone secretion.

The company emphasizes the importance of the gut-brain axis, which involves a complex communication network between the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the central nervous system (CNS). This interaction is vital for regulating digestion, immune responses, and the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones. ARD-101 specifically stimulates Tas2R receptors located on enteroendocrine cells, leading to the secretion of neuropeptides that regulate metabolism, hunger, weight, and inflammation. The drug's gut-restricted nature ensures that only a small fraction enters systemic circulation, thereby enhancing safety and minimizing potential adverse effects on liver and kidney function, which is particularly beneficial when used alongside other medications that rely on these organs for clearance.

United States

Aardvark Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on leveraging host adaptive responses through gut-brain signaling for the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The company has multiple programs in its pipeline and has received FDA orphan drug designation for its novel drug candidate for Prader-Willi syndrome.

Aardvark Therapeutics

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