Belite Bio(BLTE) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, the company reported R&D expenses of $11 million, an increase from $9.1 million in the same period last year, primarily due to higher expenses related to the PHOENIX trial and manufacturing costs [8][9] - G&A expenses rose to $6.5 million from $1.4 million year-over-year, mainly due to increased share-based compensation [9] - The net loss for the quarter was $16.3 million, compared to a net loss of $9.5 million in the same period last year, with a significant portion of the increase attributed to non-cash share-based compensation of $7.6 million [9][10] - As of the end of Q2, the company had $149.2 million in cash and equivalents, with a projected four-year cash runway [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing its drug teneraband, which is in global phase three trials for Stargardt's disease and geographic atrophy, with significant progress reported in both trials [4][5] - The Dragon trial for Stargardt's disease has completed interim analysis, and the FDA has recommended proceeding without modifications, with completion expected in Q4 2025 [6][15] - The global phase three study for geographic atrophy has completed enrollment with 529 subjects [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has received multiple designations for teneraband, including breakthrough therapy and orphan drug designations in the US, Europe, and Japan, indicating a significant unmet medical need [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to position teneraband as the first oral treatment for degenerative retinal diseases, focusing on completing its phase three trials and preparing for potential regulatory submissions [8][10] - The management is strategically expanding the Dragon two trial to additional countries to accelerate enrollment [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing trials and the potential for accelerated approval based on robust statistical significance from the interim data [15][26] - The company anticipates a cash burn of approximately $40 to $45 million over the next two years as it approaches key clinical milestones [46] Other Important Information - The company raised $15 million in gross proceeds from a registered direct offering on August 8, which supports its ongoing operations and trial commitments [7][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of FDA discussion regarding interim data from the Dragon trial - Management confirmed that they have met with the FDA and are on track to potentially file for accelerated approval based on interim data, but a confirmatory follow-up study will still be required [14][15] Question: Upcoming presentations or data readouts - Management indicated that they plan to present eye data at the AAO conference in late October, but will keep efficacy data confidential until after submission [27][28] Question: Timing of data release after the Dragon trial finishes - Management expects to show statistically significant differences in lesion growth rates between treatment and placebo groups, which is critical for approval [36] Question: Current estimate timeline for reaching target enrollment in the Dragon-two trial - Management stated that enrollment is expected to complete by the end of the year, with strategic timing to avoid competition with the Dragon one trial [42] Question: Drivers for rising operating expenses - Management noted that the majority of the increase in operating expenses is due to share-based compensation, which is non-cash related, and expects cash burn to increase as they approach key milestones [46]