SAN DIEGO, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Belite Bio, Inc (NASDAQ: BLTE), a clinical-stage drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, today announced that it will host a webcast on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. Webcast InformationDate: Monday, March ...

Core Insights - Belite Bio, Inc is participating in the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) 2026 Congress to present findings related to its drug tinlarebant for Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) [1][2] Company Overview - Belite Bio is a clinical-stage drug development company focused on novel therapeutics for degenerative retinal diseases, including STGD1 and geographic atrophy (GA) in advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [8] - The lead candidate, tinlarebant, is designed to reduce the accumulation of bisretinoid toxins in the eye, which are linked to retinal diseases [8] Upcoming Presentations - The company will present topline results from the Phase 3 DRAGON study of tinlarebant for adolescents with STGD1 during the APAO Congress [2][3] - An oral presentation is scheduled for February 6, 2026, and a sponsored lunch symposium will take place on February 7, 2026 [3] Exhibition Details - Belite Bio will have an exhibition booth at the APAO Congress from February 5-7, 2026, located at Hall 5E, Booth 5E-C03 [4] About Tinlarebant - Tinlarebant is an oral therapy that aims to reduce vitamin A-based toxins causing retinal disease in STGD1 and contributes to disease progression in GA [4] - The drug has received multiple designations, including Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track in the U.S., and Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S., Europe, and Japan [4] About Stargardt Disease Type 1 (STGD1) - STGD1 is the most common inherited macular dystrophy, leading to central vision loss due to mutations in the ABCA4 gene [5] - There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for STGD1, highlighting the unmet medical need in this area [5]

Core Viewpoint - Belite Bio is nearing the commercialization of its leading drug candidate, tinlarebant, following positive results from a phase 3 trial, which significantly boosted its stock price by 12% [1][2]. Group 1: Drug Candidate and Trial Results - Tinlarebant met its primary endpoint in a phase 3 trial aimed at treating adolescents with Stargardt disease, a condition that can lead to loss of central vision [2][4]. - The drug demonstrated a nearly 36% reduction in lesion growth compared to a placebo, indicating its efficacy in slowing the progression of the disease [3]. - Minimal change in visual acuity was recorded after 24 months, further supporting the drug's potential [3]. Group 2: Company Statements and Future Plans - CEO Tom Lin highlighted that tinlarebant is the first oral treatment to show a clinically meaningful outcome in retinal degenerative disease [4]. - Belite Bio plans to submit New Drug Applications for tinlarebant in the first half of next year, indicating a proactive approach towards regulatory approval [4]. Group 3: Market Reaction and Financial Data - Following the announcement, Belite Bio's stock price rose to $16.58, reflecting a market capitalization of $5 billion [5]. - The stock's trading range for the day was between $130.06 and $154.99, with a 52-week range of $49.00 to $154.99 [6].