Aardvark Therapeutics (AARD) reported positive preclinical results for ARD-201 in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model, indicating potential as an oral treatment for weight loss and weight maintenance.
The therapy showed promise as a standalone option, in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), and for sustaining weight after GLP-1RA withdrawal.
In the study, ARD-201 monotherapy delivered ~19% weight loss in 30 days. In weight maintenance testing after high-dose tirzepatide, ARD-201 alone matched high-dose therapy's effectiveness, while combining ARD-201 with low-dose tirzepatide achieved further weight loss.
Aardvark will launch two Phase 2 studies: the POWER trial (2H 2025) to prevent weight regain post-GLP-1RA discontinuation, and the STRENGTH trial (1H 2026) to assess ARD-201 alone and in combination with GLP-1RAs for weight loss quality and muscle preservation. These replace the previously planned EMPOWER trial.
Executives and independent experts said the data reinforce ARD-201's potential to fill gaps in obesity care by providing an oral, complementary approach that supports long-term results.
ARD-201 combines a DPP-4 inhibitor with ARD-101, a gut-restricted TAS2R agonist that triggers satiety hormones like GLP-1 and CCK, while preventing their breakdown, enhancing fullness and reducing hunger. ARD-101 is also in a Phase 3 trial for hyperphagia in Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Tuesday AARD closed at $10.04, down 9.96%, and is unchanged in after-hours trading on the NasdaqGS.
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Business News
June 19, 2026 16:46 ET Major central banks continued to dominate the economic news flow this week too, led by the Federal Reserve, as they announced their latest policy decisions. The Federal Reserve policy session was in focus as it was the first to be led by the new chief Kevin Warsh. In Europe, central banks of the U.K. and Switzerland announced their rate decisions. In Asia, the Bank of Japan drew attention for its policy moves, while data out of China threw some light on the state of the economy.