Latest news with #Stargardt
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Belite Bio Announces FDA Granting of Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Tinlarebant for the Treatment of Stargardt Disease
Designation is based on the pivotal Phase 3 DRAGON trial interim analysis results demonstrating Tinlarebant's efficacy and favorable safety profile Trial completion expected by Q4 2025 (including a three-month follow-up period) Tinlarebant has previously been granted Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations in the U.S., Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, and the Pioneer Drug Designation in Japan for Stargardt disease SAN DIEGO, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Belite Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLTE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Tinlarebant for the treatment of Stargardt disease (STGD1) based on the previously reported interim data from the ongoing Phase 3 DRAGON trial. There are currently no approved treatments for STGD1. 'Breakthrough Therapy Designation is an exciting milestone that underscores Tinlarebant's potential to address a serious unmet need for patients with STGD1 — a condition where there are currently no approved therapies,' said Dr. Tom Lin, Chairman and CEO of Belite Bio. 'We remain deeply committed to the Stargardt community and to advancing Tinlarebant as we prepare for the DRAGON study readout expected by the end of this year.' The Breakthrough Therapy Designation is supported by a pre-specified interim analysis of the pivotal, global Phase 3 DRAGON trial data of Tinlarebant in adolescent STGD1 patients. The designation is based on preliminary clinical evidence indicating that a drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints. In addition, according to the Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB), Tinlarebant continued to demonstrate a favorable safety profile consistent with prior findings and its mechanism of action. Importantly, visual acuity remained stable in the majority of participants, with mean changes from baseline of less than three letters over the course of the two-year study. 'This granting represents a significant achievement for Belite Bio and serves as validation of a therapeutic approach that directly targets the underlying pathophysiology of STGD1 in order to slow or halt the disease process,' stated Dr. Nathan L. Mata, Belite Bio's Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Mata noted further, 'Although it has been more than 26 years since the development of the first STGD1 mouse model, it is encouraging to know that the learnings from this model, and the many years spent evaluating the therapeutic benefit of targeting retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) to reduce the accumulation of cytotoxic byproducts of vitamin A, have advanced our understanding of the disease and have led us closer than ever to the realization of an approved treatment for patients living with STGD1.' 'We are very encouraged by the FDA's decision. STGD1 is a progressive condition that typically begins in adolescence and inevitably leads to legal blindness. People living with STGD1 experience a severe loss of quality of life even though they typically have decades of their lives ahead of them,' said Dr. Hendrik Scholl, Chief Medical Officer of Belite Bio. 'Breakthrough Therapy Designation reinforces the importance of our work to develop a potential therapy for people who currently have limited options. We look forward to continuing to evaluate Tinlarebant's safety and efficacy as the DRAGON trial progresses.' About FDA Breakthrough Therapy DesignationThe FDA grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to expedite the development and regulatory review of drugs that are intended for serious or life-threatening conditions. The designation is based on preliminary clinical evidence indicating that a drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints. Breakthrough Therapy Designation affords all of the benefits of the fast-track program, including eligibility for rolling review and priority review, as well as additional regulatory engagement to facilitate expedited development, with the aim to bring therapies to patients more quickly. About Phase 3 DRAGONThe pivotal Phase 3 DRAGON trial is a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, global study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tinlarebant in adolescent patients with Stargardt disease. The trial enrolled 104 subjects across 11 jurisdictions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Australia, with a 2:1 randomization (Tinlarebant:placebo). The primary efficacy endpoint is the growth rate of atrophic lesions, alongside the assessment of safety and tolerability. About TinlarebantTinlarebant is an orally administered, once-a-day tablet intended as an early intervention for maintaining the health and integrity of retinal tissues in Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and Geographic Atrophy (GA) patients. Currently, there are no FDA approved treatments for STGD1 and no approved orally administered treatments for GA. Therefore, if approved, Tinlarebant would be a novel oral therapeutic addressing an unmet medical need in both STGD1 and GA. About Belite BioBelite Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, such as Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and Geographic Atrophy (GA) in advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in addition to specific metabolic diseases. Belite's lead candidate, Tinlarebant, an oral therapy intended to reduce the accumulation of toxins in the eye, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study (DRAGON) and a Phase 2/3 study (DRAGON II) in adolescent STGD1 subjects and a Phase 3 study (PHOENIX) in subjects with GA. For more information, follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook or visit us at Important Cautions Regarding Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements about future expectations and plans, as well as other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the potential implications of clinical data for patients, interim analysis and recommendation from DSMB; Belite Bio's advancement of, and anticipated future activities on preclinical studies, clinical development, regulatory milestones, and commercialization of its product candidates; and any other statements containing the words 'expect', 'hope', 'indicate', 'look forward to', and similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to Belite Bio's ability to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or regulatory approval; the timing of potential submission with FDA; the timing to complete relevant clinical trials and/or to receive the interim/final data of such clinical trials; the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approval of Belite Bio's drug candidates; the potential efficacy of Tinlarebant, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section in Belite Bio's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Belite Bio, and Belite Bio undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Media and Investor Relations Contact:Jennifer Wu ir@ Julie Fallonbelite@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Belite Bio Inc (BLTE) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Financial Position Amid Rising ...
R&D Expenses: $9.4 million, up from $6.8 million in the same period last year. G&A Expenses: $6.1 million, up from $1.6 million in the same period last year. Net Loss: $14.3 million, compared to a net loss of $7.9 million for the same period last year. Operating Cash Outflow: Approximately $8.3 million. Cash Increase: $12.3 million for the quarter. Cash and Equivalents: $157.4 million, including liquidity funds, time deposits, and US Treasury bills. Cash Runway: Expected to last 4 years, sufficient to complete current clinical trials. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Signs with BLTE. Release Date: May 14, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Belite Bio Inc (NASDAQ:BLTE) has made significant progress in its phase 3 trials for Stargardt disease and geographic atrophy, with promising interim results. The company's lead drug, Tarban, has received multiple designations, including rare pediatric disease and fast track in the US, and orphan drug designation in the US, Europe, and Japan. The interim analysis of the Dragon trial showed no need for sample size increase, indicating strong efficacy, and the DSMB recommended submitting data for regulatory review. Belite Bio Inc (NASDAQ:BLTE) has a strong financial position with a four-year cash runway, allowing it to complete current clinical trials without additional funding. The Phoenix trial for geographic atrophy is progressing well, with enrollment expected to be completed by Q3 2025, and the company is on track to meet its clinical milestones. Belite Bio Inc (NASDAQ:BLTE) reported a net loss of $14.3 million for Q1 2025, an increase from $7.9 million in the same period last year, primarily due to higher R&D and G&A expenses. The dropout rate in the Phoenix trial is approximately 20%, which, while lower than some other studies, still represents a significant challenge. There is uncertainty regarding the impact of President Trump's drug pricing policies on the company's strategy for launching Tarban in ex-US territories. Operating expenses are expected to rise in 2025 and 2026 due to ongoing clinical trials, potentially impacting profitability. The company has not yet finalized its regulatory meetings with the FDA, which could pose a risk to the timeline for drug approval. Q: Could you provide an update on the Phoenix trial's discontinuation rates and enrollment progress? Also, any updates on regulatory meetings for Stargardt disease trial requirements? A: The dropout rate for the Phoenix trial is approximately 20%, which is lower than previous studies. We are conducting the trial with elderly patients, and compliance remains strong. Regarding regulatory meetings, we have scheduled discussions with regulators and will update as we progress. Q: Can you discuss recent interactions with the FDA regarding Stargardt disease and any perceived regulatory risks? Also, what are the efficacy and safety goals for the phase 3 data expected in early 2026? A: We have not yet met with the FDA but have scheduled meetings. We do not anticipate regulatory risks due to changes at the agency, as our data is strong. The phase 3 study is powered to detect a 35% treatment effect, and we expect to meet this based on interim data. Safety outlook is positive with low withdrawal rates. Q: How might President Trump's drug pricing policy affect your strategy for launching the drug in ex-US territories, particularly Japan? A: Since Tarban has not launched yet, the policy does not immediately affect us. We are monitoring the situation to understand its impact on the industry and specific drug categories. Q: Will operating expenses continue to rise during the remainder of 2025? A: Operating expenses are expected to be slightly higher than Q1 levels due to milestone achievements in our studies. However, expenses will decrease after reaching these milestones. Q: How is your manufacturing and supply chain structured geographically, especially with the push to move pharmaceutical manufacturing to the US? A: Tarban is manufactured in the US and other locations, so current geopolitical tensions do not affect our supply chain. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Foundation Fighting Blindness to Honor Michael Tarloff of C&S Wholesale Grocers at the 2025 New York Night for Sight Gala
The May 15th event will raise funds to drive research providing treatments and cures for blinding diseases. COLUMBIA, Md., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation Fighting Blindness, the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases, will host its annual Night for Sight gala on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Guastavino's in New York City. This special evening will celebrate leaders from the fashion, food, and finance industries to raise critical funds for advancing treatments and cures from the laboratory to the patients who need them. With over 50 potential treatments currently in clinical trials, the need for advancing research is greater than ever. This year, the Foundation is proud to present its prestigious Visionary Award to Michael Tarloff, VP, General Manager, C&S Wholesale Grocers, recognizing his commitment to community support and advancing the Foundation's mission. The event will be co-chaired by Evan Mittman and Jason Ferreira, who are longtime Foundation members and supporters. Attendees will include corporate sponsors, community members, and dedicated supporters of the Foundation's mission. The evening will be hosted by master of ceremonies, Adam Chodak, News 8 evening anchor and managing editor in Rochester, NY who is also affected with Stargardt disease. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, an exciting silent auction featuring exclusive items, and live entertainment by the Christian McGhee Xtet. The Foundation is proud to announce our guest speaker, Anastasia Pagonis, a two-time Paralympian and gold medalist. Anastasia is not only an accomplished athlete but is also a vocal advocate for disability awareness and mental health, using her platform and social media presence to educate, empower, and inspire others. "We are delighted to announce that Michael Tarloff will be honored at this year's Night for Sight, an event that holds special significance for us at Foodtown and Allegiance Retail Services," says event co-chair Jason Ferreira. "Michael, along with his company, C&S Wholesale Grocers, has been a steadfast supporter of our mission, joining us every year with unwavering commitment. As a parent of a legally blind child, I can personally attest to the invaluable support provided by the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Their efforts have illuminated our path in times of uncertainty, bringing hope to my family and others facing similar challenges. We look forward to celebrating this meaningful occasion together and continuing our work to fight blinding diseases." Individual tickets to Night for Sight are $1,000, and Next Generation (under age 35) tickets are $750. Sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $2,500 to $100,000. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit or contact Sarah Greulich at SGreulich@ or 917-746-3664. The Foundation thanks Visionary Champion Partner, Amgen, for their support of Night for Sight and Foundation Fighting Blindness events across the country. Event DetailsNew York Night for SightThursday, May 15, 20256:00 p.m. Reception/ 7:00 p.m. Dinner and AwardsGuastavino's 409 East 59th Street, New York About the Foundation Fighting BlindnessEstablished in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases. The Foundation has raised more than $954 million toward its mission of accelerating research that will provide preventions, treatments, and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, age-related macular degeneration, and the spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. Visit for more information. About C&S Wholesale GrocersC&S Wholesale Grocers is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States, servicing customers of all sizes, including independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions. Earning a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index for four years in a row, they are a true representative of an engaged corporate citizen, supporting causes such as the Foundation Fighting Blindness that positively impact their communities. Media Contacts: Sarah Greulich Chris Adams Community Manager, Northeast Vice President, Marketing & Communications SGreulich@ CAdams@ (917) 746-3664 (410) 423-0585 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Foundation Fighting Blindness Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Belite Bio Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update
Following a pre-specified interim analysis, an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommended the pivotal Phase 3 trial (DRAGON) of Tinlarebant in adolescent Stargardt disease (STGD1) patients proceed without any modification; trial completion expected Q4 2025 (including a three-month follow-up period) DSMB also recommended the Company submit the interim data for further regulatory review for drug approval A pivotal global Phase 3 trial (PHOENIX) of Tinlarebant in geographic atrophy (GA) patients is ongoing with 464 of targeted 500 subjects enrolled Raised $15 million in gross proceeds in a registered direct offering on February 5, 2025 Conference call and webcast on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Belite Bio, Inc (NASDAQ: BLTE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided a business update. 'We continue to advance the clinical development of Tinlarebant, reaching a major milestone with the favorable interim analysis of our Phase 3 DRAGON trial earlier this year,' said Dr. Tom Lin, Chairman and CEO of Belite Bio. 'We are excited by the encouraging feedback from the DSMB on the safety and efficacy outcomes in DRAGON as we work toward trial completion by the end of 2025. We are focused on maintaining strong execution across our late-stage clinical programs as we aim to deliver new treatment options for people living with degenerative retinal diseases, where there is significant unmet need.' First Quarter 2025 Business Highlights and Upcoming Milestones: Clinical Highlights Tinlarebant is an oral, once-daily, potent retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) antagonist that decreases RBP4 levels in the blood and reduces vitamin A (retinol) delivery to the eye without disrupting systemic retinol delivery to other tissues. Vitamin A is critical for normal vision but can accumulate as toxic byproducts (bisretinoids) in individuals affected with STGD1 and GA, the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), leading to retinal cell death and loss of vision. Stargardt disease (STGD1): Accumulation of cytotoxic bisretinoids compounds has been implicated in the onset and progression of STGD1, for which there are no approved treatments. Tinlarebant has been granted Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations in the U.S.; Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S., Europe, and Japan; and Sakigake (Pioneer Drug) Designation in Japan for the treatment of STGD1. DRAGON Trial: Ongoing, 24-month, randomized (2:1, active: placebo), double-masked, placebo-controlled, global, multi-center, pivotal Phase 3 trial in adolescent STGD1 patients Following a pre-specified interim analysis, an independent DSMB recommended trial continuation without modifications, maintaining a sample size of 104 subjects In addition, the DSMB recommended submitting the data for further regulatory review for drug approval Primary efficacy endpoint is the growth rate of atrophic lesions; safety and tolerability will also be assessed Trial completion expected by Q4 2025 (including a three-month follow-up period) DRAGON II Trial: Combination of a Phase 1b open-label trial to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Tinlarebant in adolescent Japanese STGD1 patients and a Phase 2/3, 24-month, randomized (1:1, active: placebo), double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in adolescent STGD1 patients Enrolled 16 subjects in the Phase 2/3 trial, with a target enrollment of approximately 60 subjects, aged 12 to 20 years old, including approximately 10 Japanese subjects; data from the Japanese subjects is intended to facilitate a future new drug application in Japan Primary efficacy endpoint is the growth rate of atrophic lesions; safety and tolerability will also be assessed Geographic Atrophy (GA): GA is a chronic degenerative disease of the retina that leads to blindness in the elderly. Accumulation of cytotoxic vitamin A byproducts (bisretinoids) has been implicated in the progression of GA. There are currently no FDA-approved, orally administered treatments for GA. PHOENIX Trial: Ongoing, 24-month, randomized (2:1, active: placebo), double-masked, placebo-controlled, global, multi-center, pivotal Phase 3 trial in GA patients 464 of the targeted 500 subjects have been enrolled to date Primary efficacy endpoint is the growth rate of atrophic lesions; safety and tolerability will also be assessed Company expects to conduct an interim analysis Corporate Highlights In February 2025, Belite completed a registered direct offering priced at the market, raising gross proceeds of $15 million, with the potential for additional proceeds of approximately $15 million from the exercise of five-year warrants issued in the offering. First Quarter 2025 Financial Results: Current Assets: As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $157.4 million in cash, liquidity funds, time deposits, and U.S treasury bills. R&D Expenses: For the three months ended March 31, 2025, research and development expenses were $9.4 million compared to $6.8 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to (i) share-based compensation granted in the third quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025, (ii) slightly higher clinical trial expenses related to the PHOENIX trial. G&A Expenses: For the three months ended March 31, 2025, general and administrative expenses were $6.1 million compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2024. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in share-based compensation granted in the third quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025. Other Income: For the three months ended March 31, 2025, other income was $1.2 million compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in other income was attributable to accrued interest from time deposits and U.S. treasury bills. Net Loss: For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company reported a net loss of $14.3 million, compared to a net loss of $7.9 million for the same period in 2024. Webcast Information Belite Bio will host a webcast on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company's financial results and provide a business update. To join the webcast, please visit A replay will be available for approximately 90 days following the event at the Company's Investor Relations website at About Belite Bio Belite Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical need, such as Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and Geographic Atrophy (GA) in advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in addition to specific metabolic diseases. Belite's lead candidate, Tinlarebant, an oral therapy intended to reduce the accumulation of toxins in the eye, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study (DRAGON) and a Phase 2/3 study (DRAGON II) in adolescent STGD1 patients and a Phase 3 study (PHOENIX) in patients with GA. For more information, follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or visit us at Important Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about future expectations and plans, as well as other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the potential implications of clinical data for patients, and Belite Bio's advancement of, and anticipated preclinical activities, clinical development, regulatory milestones, and commercialization of its product candidates, and any other statements containing the words 'expect', 'hope' and similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to Belite Bio's ability to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or regulatory approval; the timing to complete relevant clinical trials and/or to receive the interim/final data of such clinical trials; the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approval of Belite Bio's drug candidates; the potential efficacy of Tinlarebant, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section in Belite Bio's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Belite Bio, and Belite Bio undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. BELITE BIO, INC UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts) For the Three MonthsEnded March 31, 2024 2025 Expenses Research and development 6,765 9,396 General and administrative 1,563 6,121 Total operating expenses 8,328 15,517 Loss from operations (8,328 ) (15,517 ) Other income: Total other income, net 463 1,240 Loss before income tax (7,865 ) (14,277 ) Income tax expense 6 - Net loss (7,871 ) (14,277 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax (96 ) 18 Total comprehensive loss (7,967 ) (14,259 ) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in per share calculation: - Basic and Diluted 29,677,173 32,084,106 Net loss per ordinary share - Basic and Diluted $ (0.27 ) $ (0.45 ) BELITE BIO, INC UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands of US Dollars, except share amounts) December 31, March 31, 2024 2025 Current assets $ 147,073 $ 159,287 Other assets 5,059 4,914 TOTAL ASSETS $ 152,132 $ 164,201 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 6,311 $ 6,131 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 145,821 158,070 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 152,132 $ 164,201 Ordinary shares authorized 400,000,000 400,000,000 Ordinary shares issued 31,857,802 32,595,001 Ordinary shares outstanding 31,826,549 32,544,784 Media and Investor Relations Contact: Jennifer Wu ir@ Julie Fallon belite@ in to access your portfolio
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Sudbury yoga teacher losing sight says it won't stop her
Five years ago, Dawn Blezard went for what she thought was a routine eye the examination revealed she had a rare genetic condition that would eventually cause her to go 49-year-old yoga teacher from Sudbury, Suffolk, was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease and has already lost vision in her left eye, with the other deteriorating. While the condition has already affected her life, she is not letting it stop her from taking on the 40km (24 miles) Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Mrs Blezard said she hoped the challenge would show others they too can take on anything they put their minds to. Mrs Blezard's routine eye appointment offered her the chance to pay a small additional fee to have the back of her eyes scanned to check their agreed and after it was done she was told to wait outside which she first thought was "unusual"."They called me back in and this lovely lady said to me, 'Oh my God, I'm so excited, I've only ever seen this in textbooks. You've got a rare eye disease and you've got it on both eyes'," she explained."After that it was kind of a whirlwind." Three weeks later, she was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease, which affects one in 8,000 to 10,000 people. She was told there was nothing that could be done to save her vision and she is now registered as visually impaired. As well as losing her vision, Mrs Blezard can no longer drive and she makes use of a guide cane."I've fallen down flights of stairs and broken my ribs because you have no depth," she continued."As it's deteriorated, it's like a photo - there's no depth, things are quite pixelated so you're living in a filtered world all the time."Mrs Blezard said she had adapted however and she still continues to teach yoga. "My world has changed, but I'm not giving up," she added. 'Why next year?' After her diagnosis, Mrs Blezard discovered the Macular Society who she said answered the phone immediately and helped support years, she had always wanted to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, but had "always put it off"."[My condition] has really made me think, well why next year? Why not this year? Because we don't know what could happen next year," she Blezard decided to take the challenge on for the Macular will set off at 08:00 BST on Saturday and will be joined by members of her yoga community from Sudbury Leisure Centre and from the Self Centre in Bury St will do the walk over two days to accommodate her sight and she said she was "excited" to get going. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
