Telomir Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TELO) has announced the peer-reviewed publication of preclinical data demonstrating that its lead candidate, Telomir-Zn, suppresses tumor growth in prostate and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models. The findings, published in the Journal of Oncology Research and Therapy, highlight the compound's ability to selectively modulate intracellular iron and copper, offering a novel approach to cancer treatment.
The study revealed that Telomir-Zn inhibits histone demethylases by depleting intracellular iron, a mechanism that selectively kills iron-dependent TNBC cells while sparing normal cells at concentrations more than 50-fold higher. Additionally, the compound reactivated tumor-suppressor genes in a prostate cancer model, suggesting broad epigenetic regulatory effects.
In TNBC xenograft models, Telomir-Zn reduced primary tumor size across several cell lines and significantly reduced metastatic dissemination in HCC1806 xenografts. Notably, in BT-549 xenografts, combining Telomir-Zn with paclitaxel produced significantly greater tumor reduction than either treatment alone, indicating potential for combination therapy. However, MDA-MB-231 xenografts did not respond, underscoring tumor-specific differences in sensitivity.
These results provide the scientific foundation for advancing Telomir-Zn into a planned Phase 1/2 clinical trial in TNBC under the company's active Investigational New Drug (IND) application. The trial will focus on patients with advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, a challenging subtype with limited treatment options.
The significance of this announcement lies in the growing understanding of metal homeostasis in cancer biology. By targeting intracellular iron and copper, Telomir-Zn offers a distinct mechanism that may overcome resistance to conventional therapies. The differential response across cell lines also highlights the importance of biomarker-driven patient selection in future clinical development.
Telomir Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing small-molecule therapeutics that target epigenetic and metabolic pathways implicated in cancer. The company's lead program, Telomir-Zn, has received IND clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The full press release can be viewed at https://ibn.fm/mv3hn.
For more information about Telomir Pharmaceuticals, visit the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TELO.
