In the In Conversation With series, a part of the free DDW podcast, DDW speaks with members of the drug discovery industry about their work and how it helps turn science into business.   

In this episode, Megan Thomas is in conversation with Tien Lee, CEO of Aardvark Therapeutics, a San Diego-based biotech company in Phase II studies of its drug, ARD-101, a type 2 bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) which is taken orally and remains in the human gut unlike GLP-1 which is systemic.

The drug targets receptors in the gut where it triggers cholecystokinin (CCK), a GI system peptide hormone responsible for stimulating the digestion of fat and protein. CCK stimulates pancreatic secretion and gallbladder contraction, regulation of gastric emptying, and sends a signal to the brain that one has had enough to eat.

You can listen below, or find The Drug Discovery World Podcast on Spotify, Google Play and Apple Podcasts.