Belite Bio Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Core Viewpoint - Belite Bio, Inc is advancing its clinical development of Tinlarebant, targeting degenerative retinal diseases, with positive interim results from the Phase 3 DRAGON trial and plans for trial completion by the end of 2025 [2][4]. Clinical Highlights - Tinlarebant is an oral, once-daily RBP4 antagonist that reduces RBP4 levels in the blood, decreasing vitamin A delivery to the eye, which is crucial for normal vision but can lead to toxicity in certain retinal diseases [3]. - The independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommended the continuation of the DRAGON trial without modifications, with completion expected in Q4 2025 [4]. - The ongoing Phase 3 trial (PHOENIX) for Tinlarebant in geographic atrophy (GA) patients has enrolled 464 out of the targeted 500 subjects [4][14]. Financial Highlights - As of March 31, 2025, the company reported current assets of $157.4 million, including cash and liquidity funds [7]. - Research and development expenses for Q1 2025 were $9.4 million, up from $6.8 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to increased share-based compensation and clinical trial expenses [8]. - General and administrative expenses rose to $6.1 million in Q1 2025 from $1.6 million in Q1 2024, attributed to share-based compensation [9]. - The company reported a net loss of $14.3 million for Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $7.9 million in the same period of 2024 [11][17]. Corporate Highlights - In February 2025, Belite Bio raised $15 million in gross proceeds through a registered direct offering, with potential additional proceeds from warrant exercises [6]. - The company is focused on maintaining strong execution across its late-stage clinical programs to deliver new treatment options for degenerative retinal diseases [2]. Upcoming Milestones - A conference call and webcast is scheduled for May 14, 2025, to discuss financial results and provide a business update [12]. - The primary efficacy endpoint for the DRAGON trial is the growth rate of atrophic lesions, with safety and tolerability also being assessed [5][14].