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, detail the compound's mechanism of action and its potential to address a challenging form of breast cancer.
The study reveals that Telomir-Zn works by selectively modulating intracellular iron and copper levels. By depleting intracellular iron, the compound inhibits histone demethylases, enzymes that play a role in gene expression. This mechanism was shown to selectively kill iron-dependent TNBC cells while sparing normal cells, even at concentrations more than 50-fold higher than the effective dose. Additionally, the compound reactivated tumor-suppressor genes in a prostate cancer model, suggesting broader epigenetic 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, a standard chemotherapy, produced significantly greater tumor reduction than either treatment alone. However, MDA-MB-231 xenografts did not respond, indicating tumor-specific differences in sensitivity that may inform patient selection in future trials.
Telomir Pharmaceuticals stated that these findings provide the scientific foundation for advancing Telomir-Zn toward its planned Phase 1/2 clinical trial in TNBC under its active Investigational New Drug (IND) application. The company had previously received IND clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this trial, which will focus on patients with advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype that lacks the three common receptors targeted by existing therapies, making it difficult to treat. The potential of Telomir-Zn to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones could offer a new therapeutic option for patients with limited alternatives.
Telomir Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing small-molecule therapeutics that target epigenetic and metabolic pathways implicated in cancer. Its lead program, Telomir-Zn, is designed to modulate intracellular metal homeostasis and epigenetic regulation, with the goal of reactivating tumor-suppressor mechanisms.
The peer-reviewed publication adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the compound's potential. The company plans to move forward with clinical development, and the results of the upcoming Phase 1/2 trial will be closely watched by the oncology community.
For more information on Telomir Pharmaceuticals, visit the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TELO.
