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Aardvark Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Business Officer

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 11:18 GMT by Seeking Alpha
      Locales: California, Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

BOSTON, MA - February 12, 2026 - Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARVK), a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on innovative treatments for severe pulmonary diseases, today announced the appointment of Derrick C. Li as its new Chief Business Officer, effective February 8th, 2026. This strategic hire signals Aardvark's commitment to accelerating its growth and solidifying its position within the competitive biotechnology landscape.

Mr. Li arrives at Aardvark with a robust background in business development, strategic planning, and venture capital, specifically within the life sciences industry. His primary responsibility will be to spearhead Aardvark's business development initiatives, cultivating key strategic alliances, and guiding the company's overarching corporate strategy. This is a crucial role as Aardvark progresses its pipeline, most notably its lead candidate, RVX-003, through clinical trials.

Before joining Aardvark, Mr. Li honed his expertise at Viking Venture, a prominent venture capital firm based in the Nordic region, and aBiomedical Ventures, a venture capital organization dedicated to biotechnology investments. His experience at these firms provides him with a keen understanding of investment trends, partnership opportunities, and the financial drivers of success in the biotechnology sector. His educational credentials - a B.A. from Yale University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School - further demonstrate his strong academic foundation and business acumen.

Ethan A. Sokolow, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Aardvark Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm regarding the appointment. "We are thrilled to welcome Derrick to Aardvark," Dr. Sokolow stated. "His experience and expertise in business development and corporate strategy will be invaluable as we continue to advance our pipeline and build Aardvark into a leading biotechnology company." This sentiment underscores the company's belief that Mr. Li's skills will be vital in navigating the complex path of drug development and commercialization.

Derrick C. Li himself conveyed his excitement about joining the team. "I am excited to join Aardvark Therapeutics at this pivotal time," Li said. "The company's innovative approach to treating pulmonary diseases holds tremendous promise, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and success." His statement reflects a confidence in Aardvark's scientific approach and its potential to address significant unmet medical needs.

Addressing the Critical Need for Novel Pulmonary Therapies

Aardvark's focus on pulmonary diseases is particularly timely, given the increasing prevalence of conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary fibrosis, and other life-threatening respiratory ailments. ARDS, for instance, remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in critical care settings. Existing treatments often fall short of providing adequate relief, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapies. The global ARDS market alone is estimated to be worth billions, and is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.

RVX-003, Aardvark's lead therapeutic candidate, represents a novel approach to treating these diseases. While specific details of the mechanism of action haven't been extensively publicized, the company describes it as a "broadly applicable therapeutic approach," suggesting it may target a fundamental pathway involved in multiple pulmonary diseases. This is a key differentiator, as many existing therapies are disease-specific, limiting their utility. The company hopes that RVX-003's potential broad applicability could position it as a significant player in the pulmonary disease treatment market.

The appointment of a seasoned business leader like Derrick C. Li is a clear indication that Aardvark is preparing to move beyond the clinical stage and toward commercialization. His experience in securing funding, forging partnerships, and navigating the regulatory landscape will be instrumental in maximizing the value of RVX-003 and bringing it to patients who desperately need it. Investors will be watching closely to see how Mr. Li's leadership impacts Aardvark's future growth and market performance. The biotech sector is always ripe for disruption, and Aardvark Therapeutics, with its innovative approach and now a strengthened leadership team, appears poised to make a significant impact on the treatment of life-threatening pulmonary diseases.