Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP informs investors that a class action was filed on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AARD) (a) common stock pursuant to the Company's February 13, 2025 initial public offering ("IPO") and/or (b) securities between February 13, 2025 and May 14, 2026 (the "Class Period"). Aardvark is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing small-molecule therapies designed to inhibit hunger and treat metabolic diseases such as Prader-Willi Syndrome (“PWS”), a neurodevelopmental disorder condition that presents hyperphagia, or a feeling of extreme, insatiable hunger.
The complaint alleges that Aardvark misled investors regarding the viability and efficacy of its lead drug candidate ARD-101.
Investors who suffered significant losses during the Class Period may be eligible to participate in the lawsuit and should contact Robbins LLP for information about becoming lead plaintiff.
Why Was Aardvark Therapeutics Sued?
The complaint alleges that the Company’s lead product candidate is ARD-101, which defendants have repeatedly described as a “gut-restricted” small-molecule agonist of certain TAS2Rs expressed in the gut lumen. To evaluate the effect of ARD-101 on hyperphagia-related behavior in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome, defendants commenced both a Phase 3 clinical trial, referred to as the HERO trial, and an open-label extension.
The Offering Documents in support of the IPO informed investors that the preclinical data concerning ARD-101 "suggest that ARD-101 shows potential to be a well-tolerated, satiety-inducing drug."
Notwithstanding, the complaint alleges that defendants failed to disclose that:
- ARD-101 was less safe than defendants had led investors to believe;
- accordingly, ARD-101’s clinical, regulatory, and commercial prospects were overstated; and
- as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
Why Did AARD Stock Drop?
The complaint alleges that on February 27, 2026, Aardvark issued a press release “announc[ing] it is voluntarily pausing the Phase 3 Hunger Elimination or Reduction Objective (HERO) trial.” Aardvark attributed the decision to “reversible cardiac observations at above target therapeutic doses found during routine safety monitoring in a healthy volunteer study” and said that it “has voluntarily paused ongoing enrollment and dosing in the HERO trial” while “conducting a comprehensive review of the data to inform next steps.” On this news, Aardvark’s stock price fell $7.02 per share, or 56.2%, to close at $5.47 per share on March 2, 2026.
Then, on May 14, 2026, Aardvark issued a press release “announc[ing] that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a full clinical hold on its investigational new drug application (IND) for ARD-101 related to the Company’s previously announced voluntary pause.” The press release specified that “[t]he clinical hold applies to all ongoing clinical studies under the IND, including the Phase 3 HERO trial (AVK-101-301) evaluating ARD-101 for the treatment of hyperphagia in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and the Phase 3 open-label extension (OLE) trial (AVK-101-302).” On this news, Aardvark’s stock price fell $2.16 per share, or 32.1%, to close at $4.57 per share on May 15, 2026.
Who May Be Eligible to Participate in the AARD Class Action?
The lawsuit seeks to represent investors who purchased or otherwise acquired
- AARD common stock pursuant to the Company's February 13, 2025 IPO; and/or
- AARD securities between February 13, 2025 and May 14, 2026
Investors who suffered losses during that period may have legal rights under the federal securities laws.
What Is a Lead Plaintiff?
The lead plaintiff is a court-appointed investor who represents the interests of all class members throughout the litigation. Serving as lead plaintiff is not required to share in any potential recovery. Investors who do not seek appointment may remain absent class members if the case proceeds and later resolves successfully.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No. Robbins LLP represents investors on a contingency fee basis. Fees and litigation expenses are paid by defendants only if there is a recovery.
Contact Robbins LLP
Investors seeking additional information about the Aardvark Therapeutics securities class action may contact Robbins LLP by submitting an inquiry, emailing attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or calling (800) 350-6003.
About Robbins LLP
Robbins LLP is a shareholder rights law firm focused on representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. The firm has helped recover more than $1 billion for investors, obtained significant corporate governance reforms, and has represented shareholders in cases involving alleged violations of the federal securities laws.
"Companies have an obligation to provide investors with complete and accurate information so that markets can function fairly and efficiently," said Brian J. Robbins, Founding Partner of Robbins LLP.
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Aaron Dumas, Jr.
Robbins LLP
5060 Shoreham Pl., Ste. 300
San Diego, CA 92122
adumas@robbinsllp.com
(800) 350-6003
www.robbinsllp.com