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Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (AARD)

Aardvark Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small-molecule therapeutics for metabolic diseases. Their lead product, ARD-101, targets hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome and acquired hypothalamic obesity.

52/100 AI Score MCap 289M Vol 137K

Company Overview

CEOTien-Li Lee
Employees22
HeadquartersSan Diego, CA, US
Founded2025

Aardvark Therapeutics pioneers oral therapeutics for metabolic diseases, highlighted by ARD-101's Phase III trial for Prader-Willi Syndrome, offering a novel approach to address unmet needs in hyperphagia and obesity with a gut-restricted mechanism and a $0.28B market cap.

Investment Thesis

Aardvark Therapeutics presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its focus on gut-restricted therapeutics for metabolic diseases with a $0.28B market cap. ARD-101, the lead candidate, addresses significant unmet needs in Prader-Willi Syndrome and acquired hypothalamic obesity, both characterized by hyperphagia. Positive Phase III data for ARD-101 in PWS could drive significant value. The company's approach minimizes systemic exposure, potentially leading to a more favorable safety profile. Furthermore, the development of ARD-201 for obesity expands Aardvark's pipeline and market potential. Key catalysts include the progression of ARD-101 through clinical trials and the advancement of ARD-201. Success in these areas could position Aardvark as a leader in gut-targeted metabolic therapies.

Key Highlights

  • Lead product candidate ARD-101 is in Phase III clinical trial for hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
  • ARD-101 is also in Phase II clinical trial for hyperphagia associated with acquired hypothalamic obesity.
  • Developing ARD-201, which is in Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of obesity.
  • Market Cap of $0.28B indicates potential for growth if clinical trials are successful.
  • P/E ratio of -5.63 reflects the company's current lack of profitability, common for clinical-stage biopharmaceutical companies.

Competitors

Assembly Biosciences, Inc.AVROBIO, Inc.Caribou Biosciences, Inc.Entasis Therapeutics Holdings Inc.Epiphany Biosciences, Inc.

Strengths

  • Novel gut-restricted drug delivery technology.
  • Lead product candidate in Phase III clinical trials.
  • Focus on underserved metabolic disease markets.
  • Strong intellectual property portfolio.

Weaknesses

  • Clinical-stage company with no currently approved products.
  • Reliance on the success of ARD-101.
  • Limited financial resources.
  • Small number of employees.

Catalysts

  • Upcoming: Phase III clinical trial results for ARD-101 in Prader-Willi Syndrome (late 2026).
  • Upcoming: Phase II clinical trial results for ARD-101 in acquired hypothalamic obesity (mid 2027).
  • Ongoing: Advancement of ARD-201 through Phase I clinical trials.
  • Ongoing: Potential for strategic partnerships and licensing agreements.

Risks

  • Potential: Clinical trial failures for ARD-101 or ARD-201.
  • Potential: Regulatory delays or rejection of product candidates.
  • Potential: Competition from other companies developing metabolic disease therapies.
  • Ongoing: Dependence on raising additional capital to fund operations.
  • Ongoing: Intellectual property challenges.

Growth Opportunities

  • ARD-101 for Prader-Willi Syndrome: The Phase III clinical trial for ARD-101 in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) represents a significant growth opportunity. PWS is a rare genetic disorder characterized by hyperphagia, affecting an estimated 1 in 10,000 to 30,000 individuals. If approved, ARD-101 could become the first targeted therapy for hyperphagia in PWS, capturing a substantial portion of this underserved market. Positive trial results expected in late 2026 could drive rapid adoption and revenue growth.
  • ARD-101 for Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity: The Phase II clinical trial for ARD-101 in acquired hypothalamic obesity offers another growth avenue. This condition, often resulting from craniopharyngioma treatment, leads to severe hyperphagia and weight gain. With limited treatment options currently available, ARD-101 has the potential to address a significant unmet need. Positive Phase II data could lead to further development and commercialization, expanding Aardvark's market reach.
  • ARD-201 for Obesity: The development of ARD-201 for the treatment of obesity represents a substantial long-term growth opportunity. Obesity is a global epidemic, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. While still in Phase I clinical trials, ARD-201 has the potential to become a significant player in the obesity market if it demonstrates efficacy and safety. The market for obesity treatments is projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years.
  • Expansion into Other Metabolic Diseases: Aardvark's expertise in gut-restricted therapeutics could be leveraged to develop treatments for other metabolic diseases beyond PWS, acquired hypothalamic obesity, and general obesity. This could include conditions such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By expanding its pipeline, Aardvark can diversify its revenue streams and reduce its reliance on individual products.
  • Strategic Partnerships and Licensing: Aardvark can pursue strategic partnerships and licensing agreements to accelerate the development and commercialization of its products. Collaborating with larger pharmaceutical companies could provide access to additional funding, expertise, and distribution networks. These partnerships can help Aardvark maximize the value of its pipeline and reach a wider patient population.

Opportunities

  • Positive clinical trial results for ARD-101.
  • Expansion into other metabolic disease indications.
  • Strategic partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies.
  • Increasing prevalence of obesity and related disorders.

Threats

  • Clinical trial failures.
  • Regulatory hurdles.
  • Competition from established pharmaceutical companies.
  • Patent challenges.

Competitive Advantages

  • Proprietary gut-restricted drug delivery technology.
  • Strong intellectual property protection for their product candidates.
  • Clinical trial data demonstrating efficacy and safety.
  • First-mover advantage in targeting specific metabolic disease pathways.

About

Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc., founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating innovative small-molecule therapeutics. The company focuses on activating innate homeostatic pathways to combat metabolic diseases. Their primary focus is on developing oral, gut-restricted treatments that target specific receptors in the gut lumen. Aardvark's lead product candidate, ARD-101, is currently undergoing a Phase III clinical trial for hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Additionally, ARD-101 is in Phase II clinical trials for hyperphagia associated with acquired hypothalamic obesity, a condition often resulting from the treatment of craniopharyngioma through surgery or radiation. Beyond ARD-101, Aardvark is also advancing ARD-201, a therapeutic in Phase I clinical trials aimed at addressing obesity. By concentrating on gut-restricted mechanisms, Aardvark aims to minimize systemic exposure and potential side effects, offering a targeted approach to treating metabolic disorders. With a team of 22 employees, Aardvark is committed to transforming the lives of patients affected by these challenging conditions.

What They Do

  • Develop small-molecule therapeutics for metabolic diseases.
  • Focus on activating innate homeostatic pathways.
  • Create oral, gut-restricted treatments.
  • Target bitter taste receptors in the gut lumen.
  • Conduct clinical trials for their product candidates.
  • Address hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
  • Develop treatments for obesity.

Business Model

  • Develop and patent novel small-molecule therapeutics.
  • Conduct clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
  • Seek regulatory approval from agencies like the FDA.
  • Commercialize approved products through direct sales or partnerships.

Industry Context

Aardvark Therapeutics operates within the biotechnology sector, specifically targeting the metabolic disease market. This market is characterized by a growing prevalence of obesity and related disorders, creating a substantial demand for innovative therapies. The competitive landscape includes companies like ASMB, AVTX, CRBU, ENTA, and EPRX, all working on various approaches to treat metabolic and related diseases. Aardvark differentiates itself through its focus on gut-restricted small-molecule therapeutics, aiming to minimize systemic side effects. The metabolic disease market is projected to continue growing, driven by factors such as aging populations and lifestyle changes, presenting significant opportunities for companies like Aardvark.

Key Customers

  • Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
  • Patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity.
  • Patients with obesity.
  • Healthcare providers who treat these conditions.
AI Confidence: 73% Updated: 2/9/2026

Financials

Chart & Info

Price Chart

Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (AARD) stock price: $13.28 (+0.09, +0.68%)

Why Bull

  • •Recent insider buying suggests confidence in Aardvark's future prospects, indicating that executives expect positive developments ahead.
  • •Community sentiment has turned increasingly optimistic as new drug trials show promising early results, boosting investor enthusiasm.
  • •Market perception shifted positively with strategic partnerships announced, enhancing Aardvark's research capabilities and market reach.
  • •Social media discussions reflect a growing belief in the company's potential, as more investors share success stories and positive outlooks.

Why Bear

  • •Concerns about regulatory hurdles linger, as the pharmaceutical industry faces heightened scrutiny, which could delay product launches.
  • •Recent earnings reports have raised questions about cash flow sustainability, leading some investors to reassess their positions.
  • •Bearish sentiment is fueled by competitive pressures, with emerging biotech firms attracting attention and resources away from Aardvark.
  • •Negative community chatter has emerged regarding the long timelines for drug approvals, causing some investors to feel apprehensive about short-term gains.

Latest News

Technical Analysis

RSI(14)
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MACD
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Volume
136,303

Rationale

AI-generated technical analysis for AARD including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.

What to Watch

Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.

Risk Management

Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.

Community

Discussion

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Sentiment

Community sentiment and discussion activity for AARD.

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Current price: $13.28

Analyst Consensus

Consensus Rating

Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for AARD.

Price Targets

Wall Street price target analysis for AARD.

Insider Flow (30d)

Sun Nelson
Insider
1 week ago
BOUGHT
70,549 shares
Lee Tien-Li
Insider
1 week ago
BOUGHT
203,851 shares
Jaiman Manasi
Insider
1 week ago
BOUGHT
70,549 shares
Sun Nelson
Insider
2 months ago
BOUGHT
108,484 shares
$1.6M
Lee Tien-Li
Insider
2 months ago
BOUGHT
1,551,613 shares
$22.5M

MoonshotScore

52/100

Score Factors

  • Revenue Growth 5/100

    Revenue growth data is currently unavailable for this company.

  • Gross Margin 5/100

    Gross margin data is currently unavailable for this company.

  • Operating Leverage 4/100

    Limited operating leverage due to slower revenue growth, keeping profit scaling constrained.

  • Cash Runway 6/100

    Adequate cash of $62M covers near-term needs but may require additional funding for aggressive expansion.

  • R&D Intensity 5/100

    R&D spending data is currently unavailable for this company.

  • Insider Activity 6/100

    No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.

  • Short Interest 10/100

    Daily turnover of 1.07% indicates healthy liquidity with smooth entry/exit for investors.

  • Price Momentum 3/100

    Weak momentum with few bullish signals. The stock may be in a downtrend or consolidation phase.

  • News Sentiment 5/100

    No sentiment data available

What does this score mean?

The MoonshotScore rates AARD's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.

Classification

Sector Healthcare Industry Biotechnology

Competitors & Peers

Latest News

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Common Stock do?

Aardvark Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing small-molecule therapeutics for metabolic diseases. The company's primary focus is on creating oral, gut-restricted treatments that activate innate homeostatic pathways. Their lead product candidate, ARD-101, is currently in Phase III clinical trials for hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Phase II clinical trials for hyperphagia associated with acquired hypothalamic obesity. Aardvark is also developing ARD-201 for the treatment of obesity. By concentrating on gut-restricted mechanisms, Aardvark aims to minimize systemic exposure and potential side effects, offering a targeted approach to treating metabolic disorders.

Is AARD stock a good buy?

AARD stock represents a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity. The company's success hinges on the clinical trial outcomes of ARD-101 and ARD-201. Positive Phase III data for ARD-101 in Prader-Willi Syndrome could significantly increase the stock price. However, clinical trial failures or regulatory setbacks could have a negative impact. With a market cap of $0.28B, Aardvark has the potential for substantial growth, but investors should carefully consider the risks associated with clinical-stage biopharmaceutical companies and the high beta of 3.10 before investing.

What are the main risks for AARD?

The main risks for Aardvark Therapeutics include clinical trial failures, regulatory hurdles, and competition from established pharmaceutical companies. As a clinical-stage company, Aardvark is heavily reliant on the success of its product candidates, particularly ARD-101. Any setbacks in clinical trials or regulatory approvals could significantly impact the company's value. Additionally, Aardvark faces competition from larger companies with more resources. The company also depends on raising additional capital to fund its operations, which could dilute existing shareholders.

Is AARD a good stock to buy?

Whether AARD is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Review the Investment Thesis, SWOT analysis, and Risk sections on this page. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor before investing.

What is the AARD MoonshotScore?

MoonshotScore is our proprietary AI-powered rating system that evaluates stocks based on growth potential, financial health, market momentum, and risk factors. It helps investors quickly identify high-potential opportunities. Check the MoonshotScore badge on this page for the current rating.

How often is AARD data updated?

Stock prices are updated in real-time during market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET). Company fundamentals, analyst ratings, and AI insights are refreshed daily. News is updated continuously throughout the day.

What are the growth catalysts for AARD?

Growth catalysts vary by company and may include new product launches, market expansion, earnings surprises, partnerships, or industry tailwinds. Check the Catalysts section on this page for specific drivers relevant to Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc..

Who are AARD's main competitors?

Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc.'s competitors depend on its industry and market segments. Check the Competitors section on this page for a list of direct competitors and how AARD compares.

What do analysts say about AARD?

Analyst ratings and price targets for AARD are aggregated from multiple sources. Check the Analyst Consensus tab for buy/hold/sell ratings and the current consensus price target.

What is AARD's market cap?

Market capitalization reflects the total market value of AARD's outstanding shares. Check the Key Statistics section at the top of this page for the current market cap and other key financial metrics.

How has AARD stock performed recently?

Check the Chart & Info tab for AARD's recent price action, including daily, weekly, and monthly performance charts with technical indicators.

What are the risks of investing in AARD?

Every stock carries risk. Check the Risks and Weaknesses sections on this page for AARD-specific risk factors. Consider macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, and company-specific challenges.

Are insiders buying or selling AARD?

Insider activity can signal management confidence. Check the Insider Flow tab for recent insider buys, sells, and exercise transactions for AARD.

Is AARD a good stock for beginners?

Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (AARD) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.

How risky is AARD for first-time investors?

Every stock carries risk, including Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (AARD). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like AARD.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

Data provided for informational purposes only.

AI Analysis Notes
  • Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
  • Investment decisions should be based on thorough research and consultation with a financial advisor.
Data Sources
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