Belite Bio Announces FDA Granting of Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Tinlarebant for the Treatment of Stargardt Disease

Core Points - Belite Bio, Inc. has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for Tinlarebant, aimed at treating Stargardt disease (STGD1), which currently has no approved therapies [1][2] - The designation is based on interim data from the Phase 3 DRAGON trial, indicating substantial improvement over existing therapies and a favorable safety profile [2][6] - The DRAGON trial is a global study involving 104 subjects across 11 jurisdictions, designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tinlarebant [5][6] Company Overview - Belite Bio is focused on developing novel therapeutics for degenerative retinal diseases, including STGD1 and Geographic Atrophy (GA) [8] - Tinlarebant is an orally administered tablet intended for early intervention in maintaining retinal health, with no current FDA-approved treatments for STGD1 or GA [7][8] - The company is also conducting a Phase 2/3 study (DRAGON II) and a Phase 3 study (PHOENIX) for other related conditions [8] Clinical Trial Insights - The Phase 3 DRAGON trial is randomized, double-masked, and placebo-controlled, with a primary efficacy endpoint focused on the growth rate of atrophic lesions [5] - The trial's completion is expected by Q4 2025, including a three-month follow-up period [6] - Tinlarebant has previously received multiple designations, including Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations in the U.S. [6]