Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (“Aardvark” or the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on May 17, 2017 and its principal offices are located in San Diego, California. The Company is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics to activate innate homeostatic pathways for the treatment of metabolic diseases. The Company targets biological pathways associated with alleviating hunger. In October 2024, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Artisan Therapeutics, Inc., in the State of Delaware and contributed certain assets to the new entity. In February 2026, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Ardia Therapeutics, Inc., in the State of Delaware and contributed certain assets to the new entity.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Artisan Therapeutics, Inc. and Ardia Therapeutics, Inc., and have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reverse Stock Split	Reverse Stock Split On February 5, 2025, the Company effected a one-for-8.474 reverse stock split of its common stock (the "Reverse Stock Split"). The par value and the authorized shares of the common stock were not adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. All issued and outstanding common stock and the conversion ratio of the redeemable convertible preferred stock have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented.
Liquidity	Liquidity As of March 31, 2026, the Company has devoted substantially all of its resources to organizing and staffing the Company, business planning, raising capital, discovering ARD-101, establishing and maintaining its intellectual property portfolio, conducting research, preclinical studies and clinical trials, manufacturing of ARD-101 and related raw materials, and providing general and administrative support for these operations. The Company does not have any products approved for sale and has not generated any revenue to date. In addition, the Company has a limited operating history, has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since its inception and expects that its expenses and operating losses will increase substantially for the foreseeable future. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $137.5 million. The Company believes its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $91.2 million as of March 31, 2026 will be sufficient for the Company to continue as a going concern for at least one year following the date that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are available to be issued. The Company will be required to raise additional capital and plans to finance its cash needs through public or private equity or debt financings or other capital sources, including potential collaborations, licenses and other similar arrangements. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional funding on acceptable terms, or at all. If the Company is not able to secure adequate additional funding, it may be forced to make reductions in spending, extend payment terms with suppliers, liquidate assets where possible, and/or delay or reduce the scope of its planned development programs. Any of these actions could materially harm the Company’s business, results of operations and future prospects.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Information	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Information The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2026, the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, and the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 are unaudited. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim period presented. The financial data and the other financial information contained in these notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements related to the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 are also unaudited. The consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2026 or for any other future annual or interim period. The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2025 included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2026.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates include the estimated incremental borrowing rate for the determination of the Company’s operating lease right-of-use assets, valuation of stock-based awards and the accrual of research and development expenses. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis. Although estimates are based on the Company’s historical experience, knowledge of current events, and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately materially differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash, with original maturities of three months or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are comprised of money market mutual funds and short-term debt obligations of the U.S. Treasury.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts, and management believes that the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held. The Company invests its excess cash in short-term debt obligations of the U.S. Treasury in order to mitigate credit risk and maintain principal and maximize liquidity.
Short-Term Investments	Short-Term Investments Short-term investments consist of investments in corporate equity securities with readily determinable fair values and short-term debt obligations of the U.S. Treasury with original maturities in excess of three months. The investments in corporate equity securities with readily determinable fair values are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. During the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, unrealized losses of $13,000 and $15,000, respectively, were reported in other income (expense), net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company obtains pricing information from its investment manager and generally determines the fair value of debt securities using standard observable inputs, including reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and bid and/or offers. The Company classifies its investment securities as available-for-sale, as the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt securities at the time of purchase. Investments with original maturities beyond three months at the date of purchase and which mature at, or less than 12 months from, the balance sheet date are classified as short-term investments. Investments with contractual maturities beyond one year are also classified as short-term due to the Company’s ability to liquidate the investment for use in operations within the next 12 months. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. The amortized cost of available-for-sale debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization and accretion are included in interest income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in interest and dividend income in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and accrued interest receivable is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews its available-for-sale debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position to determine whether the unrealized loss or any potential credit losses should be recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through net income (loss). For available-for-sale securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers the severity of the impairment, any changes in interest rates, changes to the underlying credit ratings and forecasted recovery, among other factors. The credit-related portion of unrealized losses, and any subsequent improvements, are recorded in other income, net through an allowance account. There have been no impairment or credit losses recognized during any of the periods presented related to investments in the Company's available-for-sale debt securities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses are considered to be representative of their respective fair values because of the short-term nature of those instruments.
Research and Development Expenses	Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development expenses consist primarily of external and internal costs incurred in performing preclinical and clinical development activities. External costs include fees paid to contract research organizations and consultants in connection with product development activities, including regulatory activities, costs related to manufacturing materials for preclinical studies and clinical trials and license fees. Internal costs include personnel-related costs such as salaries and related expenses for employees involved in research and development efforts, facilities-related costs, depreciation, and other allocated expenses. Non refundable advance payments for goods and services for future research and development activities are deferred and included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and are expensed as the goods are delivered or the related services are performed. The Company estimates its expenses resulting from its obligations under contracts with vendors, consultants, and contract research organizations in connection with the progress of research and development services performed. The financial terms of these contracts vary from contract to contract and may result in payment flows that do not match the periods over which the services are provided or goods delivered under such contracts. The Company reflects research and development expenses in its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements by matching those expenses with the period in which services are provided. The Company accounts for these expenses according to the progress of the preclinical or clinical study as measured by the timing of various aspects of the study or the progress of related activities. During the course of a study, the Company reassesses its estimate of performance prospectively based on actual results or any modification to the agreements. Historically, there have been no material differences between the Company’s estimates and the amounts actually incurred.
Comprehensive Loss	Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, including unrealized gains and losses on certain investments. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, comprehensive loss includes unrealized gains and losses on short-term investments.
Recent Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Standards From time to time, new accounting standards are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies and adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) (“ASU 2024-03”), which requires new financial statement disclosures in tabular format, in the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, of specified information about certain costs and expenses. This update is effective for all entities beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. ASU 2024-03 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2026

Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (“Aardvark” or the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on May 17, 2017 and its principal offices are located in San Diego, California. The Company is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel, small-molecule therapeutics to activate innate homeostatic pathways for the treatment of metabolic diseases. The Company targets biological pathways associated with alleviating hunger.

In October 2024, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Artisan Therapeutics, Inc., in the State of Delaware and contributed certain assets to the new entity. In February 2026, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Ardia Therapeutics, Inc., in the State of Delaware and contributed certain assets to the new entity.

Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Artisan Therapeutics, Inc. and Ardia Therapeutics, Inc., and have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reverse Stock Split

On February 5, 2025, the Company effected a one-for-8.474 reverse stock split of its common stock (the "Reverse Stock Split"). The par value and the authorized shares of the common stock were not adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. All issued and outstanding common stock and the conversion ratio of the redeemable convertible preferred stock have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented.

Liquidity

As of March 31, 2026, the Company has devoted substantially all of its resources to organizing and staffing the Company, business planning, raising capital, discovering ARD-101, establishing and maintaining its intellectual property portfolio, conducting research, preclinical studies and clinical trials, manufacturing of ARD-101 and related raw materials, and providing general and administrative support for these operations. The Company does not have any products approved for sale and has not generated any revenue to date. In addition, the Company has a limited operating history, has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since its inception and expects that its expenses and operating losses will increase substantially for the foreseeable future. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $137.5 million.

The Company believes its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $91.2 million as of March 31, 2026 will be sufficient for the Company to continue as a going concern for at least one year following the date that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are available to be issued.

The Company will be required to raise additional capital and plans to finance its cash needs through public or private equity or debt financings or other capital sources, including potential collaborations, licenses and other similar arrangements. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional funding on acceptable terms, or at all. If the Company is not able to secure adequate additional funding, it may be forced to make reductions in spending, extend payment terms with suppliers, liquidate assets where possible, and/or delay or reduce the scope of its planned development programs. Any of these actions could materially harm the Company’s business, results of operations and future prospects.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Information

The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2026, the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, and the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 are unaudited. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim period presented.

The financial data and the other financial information contained in these notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements related to the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 are also unaudited. The consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2026 or for any other future annual or interim period.

The unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2025 included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2026.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates include the estimated incremental borrowing rate for the determination of the Company’s operating lease right-of-use assets, valuation of stock-based awards and the accrual of research and development expenses. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis. Although estimates are based on the Company’s historical experience, knowledge of current events, and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately materially differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash, with original maturities of three months or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are comprised of money market mutual funds and short-term debt obligations of the U.S. Treasury.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts, and management believes that the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held. The Company invests its excess cash in short-term debt obligations of the U.S. Treasury in order to mitigate credit risk and maintain principal and maximize liquidity.

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of investments in corporate equity securities with readily determinable fair values and short-term debt obligations of the U.S. Treasury with original maturities in excess of three months. The investments in corporate equity securities with readily determinable fair values are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. During the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, unrealized losses of $13,000 and $15,000, respectively, were reported in other income (expense), net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

The Company obtains pricing information from its investment manager and generally determines the fair value of debt securities using standard observable inputs, including reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and bid and/or offers. The Company classifies its investment securities as available-for-sale, as the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt securities at the time of purchase. Investments with original maturities beyond three months at the date of purchase and which mature at, or less than 12 months from, the balance sheet date are classified as short-term investments. Investments with contractual maturities beyond one year are also classified as short-term due to the Company’s ability to liquidate the investment for use in operations within the next 12 months. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. The amortized cost of available-for-sale debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization and accretion are included in interest income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in interest and dividend income in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and accrued interest receivable is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews its available-for-sale debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position to determine whether the unrealized loss or any potential credit losses should be recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through net income (loss). For available-for-sale securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers the severity of the impairment, any changes in interest rates, changes to the underlying credit ratings and forecasted recovery, among other factors. The credit-related portion of unrealized losses, and any subsequent improvements, are recorded in other income, net through an allowance account. There have been no impairment or credit losses recognized during any of the periods presented related to investments in the Company's available-for-sale debt securities.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses are considered to be representative of their respective fair values because of the short-term nature of those instruments.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development expenses consist primarily of external and internal costs incurred in performing preclinical and clinical development activities. External costs include fees paid to contract research organizations and consultants in connection with product development activities, including regulatory activities, costs related to manufacturing materials for preclinical studies and clinical trials and license fees. Internal costs include personnel-related costs such as salaries and related expenses for employees involved in research and development efforts, facilities-related costs, depreciation, and other allocated expenses. Non refundable advance payments for goods and services for future research and development activities are deferred and included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and are expensed as the goods are delivered or the related services are performed.

The Company estimates its expenses resulting from its obligations under contracts with vendors, consultants, and contract research organizations in connection with the progress of research and development services performed. The financial terms of these contracts vary from contract to contract and may result in payment flows that do not match the periods over which the services are provided or goods delivered under such contracts. The Company reflects research and development expenses in its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements by matching those expenses with the period in which services are provided. The Company accounts for these expenses according to the progress of the preclinical or clinical study as measured by the timing of various aspects of the study or the progress of related activities. During the course of a study, the Company reassesses its estimate of performance prospectively based on actual results or any modification to the agreements. Historically, there have been no material differences between the Company’s estimates and the amounts actually incurred.

Comprehensive Loss

Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, including unrealized gains and losses on certain investments. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, comprehensive loss includes unrealized gains and losses on short-term investments.

Recent Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Recent Accounting Standards

From time to time, new accounting standards are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies and adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) (“ASU 2024-03”), which requires new financial statement disclosures in tabular format, in the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, of specified information about certain costs and expenses. This update is effective for all entities beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. ASU 2024-03 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively and

early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.