---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001193125-26-047757"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "AARD"
cik: "0001774857"
company_name: "Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc."
filed_at: "2026-02-12T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-16T03:05:23.889642+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.6
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.6
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Aardvark COO exits to lead new dermatology subsidiary; CFO Sun adds COO role

## Summary
- Bryan Jones stepped down as COO of Aardvark on Feb 9, 2026, to become CEO of wholly-owned subsidiary Ardia Therapeutics.
- Ardia will develop DIA-615, a topical treatment for inflammatory skin diseases including psoriasis.
- CFO Nelson Sun appointed COO in addition to his CFO role, effective Feb 9, 2026; no compensation change.
- Derrick C. Li appointed Chief Business Officer, effective Feb 9, 2026.
- Jones received accelerated vesting of 17,797 shares and continued option exercise while at Ardia; waived severance.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001193125-26-047757
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: AARD
- cik: 0001774857
- company_name: Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc.
- filed_at: 2026-02-12T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.6
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.6
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02, 8.01, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1774857/000119312526047757/0001193125-26-047757-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1774857/000119312526047757/ck0001774857-20260209.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-047757
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-047757.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-047757.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.