Inflammation & Metabolic Disorders are Directly Affected by the “Gut-Brain Axis”
Aardvark is looking at the interaction between the biology of the digestive tract and the brain that is mediated through the vagus nerve. This communication via the gut-brain axis is important due to its role in integrating digestion, immunity regulation, coordination of neurotransmitter and hormone secretions.
Gut-Brain Axis:
This is the term referring to the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is composed of more than 100 million neurons. From the esophagus to the rectum, these nerve cells line the gastrointestinal tract and constantly relay information through the vagus nerve to the CNS, which in turn mediates downstream signals to convey various systemic physiologic responses.
Gut-Brain Axis:
This is the term referring to the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is composed of more than 100 million neurons. From the esophagus to the rectum, these nerve cells line the gastrointestinal tract and constantly relay information through the vagus nerve to the CNS, which in turn mediates downstream signals to convey various systemic physiologic responses.
ARD-101 Stimulates TAS2R Receptors Located on Enteroendocrine I and L cells to Secrete Neuropeptides
Neuropeptides are natural regulators of metabolism, hunger, weight, and inflammation.
Weight
Inflammation
Hunger
Gut Restriction Enhances the Safety of ARD-101
Only ~1% of ARD-101 is available systemically after oral dosing with the vast majority of the drug remaining in the gut. The lack of systemic exposure enhances safety and also translates to theoretically no material impact on liver or kidney function. This allows contemplated use in combination with other standard of care drugs reliant on kidney or liver clearance with no additive toxicity.
