Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. has announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders from the biopharma industry to its Board of Directors: Dr. Roy D. Baynes and Susan E. Graf. This strategic move is designed to enhance the company's leadership as it focuses on developing innovative therapies for metabolic diseases.
Dr. Roy D. Baynes, a respected figure in clinical development, has joined the board. His notable experience includes serving as the Chief Medical Officer at Merck, where he played a key role in the development of breakthrough therapies, including the cancer treatment Keytruda.
Susan E. Graf brings a wealth of experience in biotechnology to the Board. Currently a senior advisor at Locust Walk Partners, her previous roles include CEO of Akamara Therapeutics and Chief Business Officer at Epizyme, providing her with deep insights into business strategy and finance.
These appointments come at a pivotal time for Aardvark as it advances its pipeline of novel obesity therapies, aiming to transform metabolic health. Dr. Tien Lee, CEO of Aardvark, expressed optimism about the new board members' contributions to the company's promising programs.
Aardvark Therapeutics specializes in innovative, small-molecule therapeutics targeting innate homeostatic pathways to treat metabolic conditions. Its lead product candidate, ARD-101, is an oral investigational drug designed to activate Bitter Taste Receptors in the gut to suppress hunger, particularly relevant for conditions like Prader-Willi Syndrome.
The company is currently in Phase 3 development for ARD-101, focusing on hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome, and plans to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial for hypothalamic obesity symptoms. These developments underscore Aardvark's commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in the obesity sector.
Aardvark Therapeutics is dedicated to tackling metabolic diseases through the development of novel therapeutics. With the integration of renowned leaders like Dr. Baynes and Ms. Graf, the company is poised to further its success and strengthen its position within the biopharma landscape.
