Aardvark Therapeutics presents data on metabolic obesity pipeline programs

Aardvark Therapeutics (AARD) presented data at the ObesityWeek 2025 conference demonstrating the mechanistic rationale and therapeutic potential of two of its metabolic obesity programs, including ARD-201. ARD-201 Obesity Program: ARD-201 is planned to be a fixed-dose combination of the TAS2R agonist ARD-101 and the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin. The co-administration of these two compounds will be tested in the Phase 2 POWER Trial expected to commence by the end of 2025. Poster Title: TAS2R Agonist ARD-101 Attenuates Weight Gain in Mice and Reduces Hunger in Adults with Obesity. Summary: Preclinical and clinical data support the continued development of ARD-201 to attenuate weight gain, promote weight loss, and help maintain weight after the discontinuation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapies. In addition, ARD-201 improved glucose tolerance and lean body mass composition. Notable findings: Preclinical – ARD-201: ARD-201 reduced fat mass comparable to high-dose tirzepatide but, unlike tirzepatide, preserved lean mass. ARD-201 alone achieved glucose control comparable to high-dose tirzepatide, and in combination with low-dose tirzepatide delivered the most rapid glucose clearance. Previously reported preclinical data demonstrated ARD-201 reduced body weight by ~19% after 30 days, which was comparable to high-dose tirzepatide. Previously reported preclinical data demonstrated ARD-201 ~30% weight loss when combined low-dose tirzepatide. Clinical – ARD-101: ARD-101 showed signals of weight control, reduced hunger, and improved metabolic parameters, particularly among participants with elevated baseline values. ARD-101 was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations, reflecting a distinct profile from the effects associated with current anti-obesity therapies.WE-868 Obesity Program: WE-868 is a small molecule isoflavonoid designed to modulate oxidative phosphorylation and represents a potentially novel pathway for promoting weight loss and additional metabolic benefits. Poster Title: An Isoflavonoid Modulator of Oxidative Metabolism with Therapeutic Potential in Obesity and Diabetes: Summary: A clinical study of WE-868 showed a correlation between treatment and weight loss in patients in another indication, and subsequent preclinical studies explored the mechanism as a novel treatment for obesity. An additional preclinical study showed that WE-868 shifts cellular energy metabolism by modulating oxidative phosphorylation. Notable findings: In preclinical studies, WE-868 dose-dependently prevented high-fat diet-induced weight gain, with the higher dose inducing net weight loss. In DIO mice, significant weight loss was seen in medium and high dose WE-868 compared to semaglutide