Telomir Pharmaceuticals Submits IND for Telomir-1 in Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

First-in-class metal-modulating epigenetic therapy targets iron-dependent pathways with promising preclinical data

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:53pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray image revealing the intricate internal structures of a breast cancer cell, conceptually representing Telomir's approach to targeting the epigenetic and metabolic drivers of this disease.Telomir's metal-modulating epigenetic therapy aims to reset the dysregulated transcriptional programs driving aggressive breast cancer subtypes like Triple-Negative.Today in Miami

Telomir Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company developing small-molecule therapeutics for cancer and age-related diseases, has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA for its lead candidate Telomir-1 (Telomir-Zn) to treat advanced and metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Telomir-Zn is a first-in-class metal-modulating epigenetic agent designed to restore transcriptional control in tumor cells by targeting intracellular iron-zinc homeostasis.

Why it matters

TNBC is one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes, with limited treatment options and poor clinical outcomes. Therapies that can meaningfully improve response rates or durability of response in TNBC have the potential to significantly impact patient outcomes and the treatment landscape.

The details

Telomir-Zn has demonstrated reduction in tumor growth and metastatic dissemination, as well as iron-dependent tumor cell mortality, across multiple preclinical TNBC models. The program has also completed IND-enabling safety studies showing no treatment-related adverse events. Following IND clearance, Telomir plans to initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating Telomir-Zn as an oral monotherapy in patients with advanced or metastatic TNBC.

  • Telomir submitted the IND application on March 31, 2026.
  • Subject to IND clearance, Telomir plans to initiate the Phase 1/2 clinical trial.

The players

Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

A preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing small-molecule therapeutics targeting epigenetic and metabolic drivers of cancer and age-related disease.

Erez Aminov

Chief Executive Officer of Telomir Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Itzchak Angel

Chief Scientific Advisor at Telomir Pharmaceuticals.

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What they’re saying

“This IND submission marks a critical transition from preclinical proof-of-concept to clinical development for Telomir-Zn.”

— Erez Aminov, Chief Executive Officer

“Epigenetic dysregulation, including aberrant histone modification mediated by iron-dependent KDMs, is a central driver of oncogenic transcriptional programs in aggressive cancers such as TNBC. Our data support a mechanistic framework in which modulating intracellular metal homeostasis resets this dysregulation, enabling transcriptional repression of tumor-supporting gene networks without cytotoxic stress. We are excited to evaluate this biology in patients.”

— Dr. Itzchak Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor

What’s next

Subject to IND clearance, Telomir plans to initiate its Phase 1/2 clinical trial in advanced TNBC and continue advancing biomarker-driven development strategies. The company is also continuing to expand its preclinical program and plans to present data at scientific conferences.

The takeaway

Telomir's novel metal-modulating epigenetic approach represents a differentiated and scientifically grounded strategy to address the significant unmet need for more effective and durable treatment options in advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.