Telomir Pharmaceuticals announces new preclinical data on Telomir-1

Telomir Pharmaceuticals (TELO) announced new preclinical findings showing that its lead investigational compound Telomir-1 produced a strong, dose-dependent reduction of intracellular iron in human keratinocyte cells – outperforming the FDA-approved gold-standard iron chelator, Deferoxamine. These results represent an important step in Telomir’s broader program to explore how metal-ion imbalance contributes to oxidative stress, aging, and disease progression. The study employed FerroOrange, a fluorescent probe that selectively detects ferrous iron inside living cells. HaCaT cells were incubated with Telomir-1 or DFO for various time points. After three, six and sixteen hours, fluorescence microscopy revealed a markedly lower intracellular iron signal in Telomir-1-treated cells, indicating strong cell penetration and iron-modulating capacity relative to DFO at the same concentrations. Telomir’s research indicates that iron directly influences epigenetic enzymes that control gene expression. Histone demethylases, including the KDM2, KDM5, and KDM6 families require Fe as a cofactor. When intracellular iron becomes excessive or oxidized, these enzymes may lose normal control, leading to aberrant DNA methylation and the silencing of protective genes such as GSTP1, RASSF1A, MASPIN, STAT1, and CASP8. Zinc helps stabilize these functions and mitigate oxidative interference. Balancing reactive metals while supporting zinc-dependent structure may help preserve proper epigenetic modulation and cellular equilibrium. Telomir-1 is formulated with zinc to create Telomir-Zn, a complex engineered to achieve a controlled exchange of metals inside cells-removing excess reactive ions while contributing beneficial zinc. This precision metal-exchange design aims to restore equilibrium rather than broadly deplete metals. Sequestration: Telomir-1 binds and neutralizes surplus iron and copper, reducing oxidative reactions and metal-ion dependent functions. Replacement: The compound introduces bioavailable zinc, a vital cofactor for enzymes involved in antioxidant defense and DNA stability. Through this dual mechanism, Telomir-1 is believed to function as a dynamic intracellular modulator-helping sustain redox and enzymatic balance that support healthy gene regulation and mitochondrial performance. Deferoxamine is an FDA-approved iron chelator used clinically for transfusional and acute iron overload. DFO primarily acts in the bloodstream and extracellular space, showing limited penetration into living cells. Chronic or high-dose use can be associated with side effects, including neurological, ocular, or auditory changes and growth suppression in pediatric settings. In contrast, the current studies confirm that Telomir-1 demonstrated robust intracellular metal modulation at low micromolar concentrations in vitro. Further studies will continue evaluating its ability to influence metal-ion balance, oxidative chemistry, and epigenetic enzyme activity in pre-clinical models.