Iron-rescue experiments confirm tumor cell mortality is mechanistically driven, not nonspecific cytotoxicity.
MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:TELO) ("Telomir" or the "Company"), a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing small-molecule therapeutics targeting fundamental epigenetic and metabolic drivers of cancer, today announced new in vitro data demonstrating that Telomir-1 (Telomir-Zn) induces broad tumor cell mortality across biologically distinct subtypes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Iron-rescue experiments confirmed that the observed tumor cell mortality is iron-dependent, directly supporting Telomir-Zn's proposed intracellular metal-modulating mechanism and distinguishing the effect from nonspecific cytotoxicity.
Mechanism-Driven Tumor Biology
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive and molecularly heterogeneous disease lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 expression. Although chemotherapy, immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates have expanded available treatment options, outcomes in metastatic and treatment-resistant TNBC remain limited, and relapse rates remain high.
Many TNBC tumors exhibit elevated intracellular iron levels and heightened oxidative stress, creating a biological reliance on redox-active metals to sustain proliferation and epigenetic modifications. Telomir-Zn is designed to modulate intracellular metal balance by reducing labile redox-active iron while increasing zinc availability.
In the newly reported studies, tumor cell mortality observed across TNBC models was significantly attenuated when supplemental iron was introduced, confirming that the effect is mechanistically linked to disruption of tumor iron dependency.
Human TNBC Cell Line Findings
The study, conducted in collaboration with Pharmaseed, is evaluating five human TNBC cell lines representing distinct molecular subtypes. Three models have been completed to date:
MDA-MB-468 (Basal-A / EGFR-high) - Near-complete tumor cell mortality at 72 hours
HCC70 (Basal-like) - Significant partial mortality
MDA-MB-231 (Claudin-low / mesenchymal) - Significant partial mortality
Two additional models, BT-549 and HCC1806, are currently under evaluation.
Across all completed models, supplemental iron significantly reduced Telomir-Zn-induced tumor cell death. The variability in magnitude of response across subtypes is consistent with the established biological heterogeneity of TNBC.
Prior In Vivo Evidence
In prior zebrafish xenograft studies, Telomir-Zn demonstrated statistically significant reductions in tumor growth and metastasis in select TNBC models.
The convergence of intracellular iron modulation, iron-dependent tumor cell mortality in human TNBC cells, and tumor growth and metastasis reduction in vivo provides a multi-level preclinical dataset supporting continued advancement of the program.
Advancing Toward Clinical Development
Telomir is:
Completing evaluation of additional TNBC subtypes
Preparing a TNBC mouse xenograft study in a mammalian system
Advancing IND-enabling activities
The Company confirms its planned Investigational New Drug (IND) submission in the first quarter of 2026 remains on track. Additional details regarding initial clinical development plans are expected to be provided in connection with the IND submission.
Management Commentary
"Triple-negative breast cancer remains an area of significant unmet need, particularly in metastatic settings where long-term survival remains limited," said Erez Aminov, Chief Executive Officer of Telomir Pharmaceuticals. "Demonstrating iron-dependent tumor cell mortality across biologically distinct subtypes provides mechanistic validation as we advance toward clinical development."
Dr. Itzchak Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor, added, "TNBC tumors are characterized by dysregulated metal metabolism and oxidative stress. The ability to modulate intracellular iron and observe subtype-spanning tumor cell mortality supports a rational biological framework as the program progresses toward IND."
Program Overview
Telomir-Zn (Telomir-1) combines a mechanistically informed oncology strategy with an IND-enabling safety foundation. The Company has reported no treatment-related adverse toxicity observed in completed GLP safety studies in rats and dogs, with consistent systemic exposure following oral administration.
Across preclinical models, Telomir-Zn has demonstrated coordinated intracellular metal modulation (concomitant zinc increase and reduction of redox-active iron), iron-dependent tumor cell mortality in human TNBC and pancreatic cancer cells, dose-dependent reduction in aggressive human leukemia cells, tumor-volume reduction in prostate cancer xenograft models, and modulation of cancer-relevant DNA methylation pathways involving tumor suppressor genes.
Additional TNBC subtype studies and a mammalian TNBC xenograft model are planned as the Company advances toward its anticipated IND submission in the first quarter of 2026.
About Telomir Pharmaceuticals
Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:TELO) is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing small-molecule therapeutics designed to target fundamental epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms implicated in cancer, aging, and degenerative disease. The Company's lead program, Telomir-1 (Telomir-Zn), has demonstrated activity in preclinical studies involving modulation of intracellular metal homeostasis, redox balance, epigenetically regulated gene expression, mitochondrial function, and genomic stability.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release, statements of Telomir's management or advisors related thereto, and the statements contained in the news story linked in this release contain "forward-looking statements," which are statements other than historical facts made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the potential use of the data from our studies, our ability to develop and commercialize Telomir-1 for specific indications, and the safety of Telomir-1.
Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on Telomir's current expectations, estimates and projections only as of the date of this release. These and other risks concerning Telomir's programs and operations are described in additional detail in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which are on file with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Telomir explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law.
Contact Information
Krystina Quintana
Email: info@telomirpharma.com
Phone: (786) 396-6723
SOURCE: Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:
https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/telomir-pharmaceuticals-demonstrates-broad-tumor-cell-mortality-in-hu-1137677
