Telomir Pharmaceuticals Demonstrates Broad Tumor Cell Mortality in Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Models

Rhea-AI Summary

Telomir Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TELO) reported in vitro data showing Telomir-Zn induces iron-dependent tumor cell mortality across multiple triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models. MDA-MB-468 showed near-complete cell death at 72 hours; two other models had significant partial mortality. The company plans an IND submission in Q1 2026 and is completing additional TNBC and mammalian xenograft studies.

Positive

• Near-complete tumor cell mortality in MDA-MB-468 at 72 hours
• Iron-dependence confirmed by attenuation with supplemental iron
• GLP safety studies in rats and dogs showed no treatment-related adverse toxicity
• IND submission planned for Q1 2026

Negative

• Variable responses across TNBC subtypes indicating heterogeneous efficacy
• Key mammalian TNBC xenograft data are pending
• Program remains preclinical until IND review and clinical data

News Market Reaction – TELO

+5.50%

1 alert

+5.50% News Effect

+$2M Valuation Impact

$37M Market Cap

0.0x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, TELO gained 5.50%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction. This price movement added approximately $2M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $37M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

TNBC cell lines: 5 cell lines Completed models: 3 models Near-complete mortality timepoint: 72 hours +5 more

8 metrics

TNBC cell lines 5 cell lines Human TNBC models evaluated in vitro

Completed models 3 models TNBC cell line models with reported results to date

Near-complete mortality timepoint 72 hours Time to near-complete mortality in MDA-MB-468 cells

IND timing Q1 2026 Planned IND submission for Telomir‑1

Additional TNBC models 2 models BT‑549 and HCC1806 currently under evaluation

Species in GLP safety rats and dogs No treatment-related adverse toxicity in completed GLP studies

Program stages in vitro and in vivo Combined human cell and animal xenograft preclinical dataset

Cancer types TNBC, pancreatic, leukemia, prostate Indications where Telomir‑1 showed preclinical activity

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.14 Vol: Volume 68,465 vs 20-day a...

low vol

$1.14 Last Close

Volume Volume 68,465 vs 20-day average 146,438 (relative volume 0.47), indicating muted trading interest pre‑news. low

Technical Shares at $1.09 are trading below the 200-day MA of $1.59 and remain 79.81% under the 52-week high of $5.40 while hovering just above the 52-week low of $1.05.

Peers on Argus

TELO was up 0.93% while momentum peers like RADX (-2.86%) and PEPG (-2.02%) were...

2 Down

TELO was up 0.93% while momentum peers like RADX (-2.86%) and PEPG (-2.02%) were down, pointing to stock-specific drivers rather than a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 05 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 05	Mechanism data update	Positive	-3.5%	Preclinical Telomir‑Zn metal-modulation data without cytotoxicity and IND timing.
Jan 05	TNBC efficacy data	Positive	+11.2%	Telomir‑1 reduced tumor growth and metastases in TNBC animal models.
Dec 18	GLP safety results	Positive	+1.5%	Favorable IND‑enabling GLP safety data with no dose‑limiting toxicities.
Nov 25	Prostate cancer data	Positive	+3.1%	Telomir‑1 reduced PSA and showed strong xenograft tumor-volume effects.
Nov 21	Leukemia cell data	Positive	-7.9%	Dose‑dependent killing of HL60 leukemia cells and epigenetic mechanism data.

Pattern Detected

Positive preclinical and safety updates have more often led to modest gains, but there are instances of selloffs on good news.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, Telomir reported favorable GLP safety data for Telomir‑1, multiple preclinical efficacy signals in leukemia, prostate cancer, and triple‑negative breast cancer, and mechanistic metal‑modulation findings, all supporting an IND target in Q1 2026. Market reactions have been mixed: strong upside on some TNBC efficacy data (+11.19% on Jan 5, 2026) but selloffs on other positive updates (e.g., -7.91% on leukemia data). Today’s TNBC mechanistic results fit this ongoing preclinical de‑risking trajectory.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved +5.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Tel...

Analysis

The stock moved +5.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Telomir’s pattern of occasional sharp gains on compelling preclinical oncology data, such as prior TNBC xenograft results. Today’s announcement adds human TNBC cell-line mortality and iron‑dependence, reinforcing the mechanistic story ahead of the planned IND in Q1 2026. Investors would still have weighed execution and financing risks, including merger-related dilution and the stock’s position near its 52-week low despite a $37.48M market cap.

Key Terms

triple-negative breast cancer, tnbc, epigenetic, parp inhibitors, +2 more

6 terms

triple-negative breast cancer medical

"new in vitro data demonstrating that Telomir-1... across ... triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)."

Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that lacks three common markers used to identify and treat the disease effectively. Because it doesn’t respond to some targeted therapies, it can be more difficult to treat and may have a more aggressive progression. This impacts the development of new treatments and can influence the outlook for healthcare companies involved in cancer research and pharmaceuticals.

tnbc medical

"subtypes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).Iron-rescue experiments confirmed..."

A subtype of breast cancer that lacks three common treatment targets — the hormone receptors for estrogen and progesterone, and the HER2 protein — so standard targeted medicines usually won’t work. Think of it like a door with none of the usual keyholes, meaning doctors rely on chemotherapy, new targeted drugs, or immunotherapy. Investors care because TNBC drives demand for novel drugs, influences clinical trial risk and regulatory milestones, and can significantly affect the valuation of biotech and pharma companies working on treatments.

epigenetic medical

"therapeutics targeting fundamental epigenetic and metabolic drivers of cancer"

Epigenetic describes changes that alter how genes are turned on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence, similar to flipping light switches or adjusting software settings that control a machine. For investors, epigenetic mechanisms matter because they create new targets for drugs, diagnostics, and therapies that can modify disease processes or patient responses, potentially leading to novel products, market opportunities, and long-term revenue streams.

parp inhibitors medical

"Although chemotherapy, immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates..."

PARP inhibitors are a class of cancer drugs that block an enzyme cells use to repair damaged DNA, effectively preventing cancer cells from fixing themselves and causing them to die. Investors watch them because their clinical approvals, safety profiles, patent status, and tests that identify which patients will benefit determine market size and revenue potential—much like backing a tool that only works on certain problems but can be very valuable when it does.

antibody-drug conjugates medical

"chemotherapy, immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates have expanded..."

A class of targeted cancer medicines that combine a lab-made antibody (which finds and sticks to specific markers on tumor cells) with a powerful cell-killing drug linked together so the toxic payload is delivered directly to the tumor. Think of it like a guided missile that reduces collateral damage compared with traditional chemotherapy; for investors, success or failure of these drugs drives clinical, regulatory and commercial value and can sharply affect a biotech company’s prospects and stock price.

xenograft medical

"In prior zebrafish xenograft studies, Telomir-Zn demonstrated statistically significant..."

A xenograft is biological tissue or cells taken from one species and placed into another, most commonly human tumor cells implanted into laboratory animals to study disease or test drugs. Investors watch xenograft results because they serve like a controlled dress rehearsal for a therapy: positive responses in these models can de‑risk programs, attract funding or partnerships, and influence the likelihood and timing of clinical trials and regulatory milestones.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

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

FAQ

What did Telomir (TELO) report about Telomir-Zn efficacy in TNBC on February 17, 2026?

Telomir-Zn produced broad, iron-dependent tumor cell mortality across TNBC models, with near-complete death in MDA-MB-468 at 72 hours. According to the company, supplemental iron attenuated the effect, supporting a metal-modulating mechanism across tested cell lines.

When is Telomir (TELO) planning its IND submission for Telomir-Zn?

Telomir plans to submit an IND in the first quarter of 2026. According to the company, IND-enabling activities are underway and additional preclinical studies will be disclosed with the submission.

What safety data did Telomir (TELO) disclose for Telomir-Zn in preclinical studies?

GLP safety studies in rats and dogs showed no treatment-related adverse toxicity, supporting IND readiness. According to the company, these studies demonstrated consistent systemic exposure after oral dosing.

Which TNBC cell lines responded to Telomir-Zn in Telomir's February 2026 data release?

Completed models: MDA-MB-468 (near-complete mortality), HCC70 and MDA-MB-231 (significant partial mortality). According to the company, two additional lines, BT-549 and HCC1806, are under evaluation.

How does supplemental iron affect Telomir-Zn activity in TNBC models reported by Telomir (TELO)?

Supplemental iron significantly reduced Telomir-Zn-induced tumor cell death, indicating iron-dependent mechanism. According to the company, this distinguishes the effect from nonspecific cytotoxicity in their assays.

What preclinical in vivo evidence supports Telomir-Zn before clinical development for Telomir (TELO)?

Prior zebrafish xenografts showed statistically significant tumor growth and metastasis reduction in select TNBC models. According to the company, mammalian xenograft studies are being prepared to extend those findings.