Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:TELO) has announced promising findings from preclinical studies of its lead compound, Telomir-1, indicating its potential for treating Wilson's disease. The studies demonstrated Telomir-1's ability to bind copper ions, addressing a critical unmet need in managing this rare genetic disorder.
Telomir-1's Copper-Binding Capabilities
In vitro studies conducted by Recipharm and Smart Assays revealed that Telomir-1 exhibits a strong affinity for copper ions. This capability allows it to selectively interact with and regulate copper metabolism, which is crucial in Wilson's disease, where excessive copper accumulation leads to severe organ damage. Telomir-1 also demonstrated the ability to bind and exchange other key ions, including iron and zinc, further highlighting its unique therapeutic profile.
Dr. Itzchak Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor at Telomir, stated, "These recent groundbreaking results on copper binding and interaction showcase Telomir-1's potential to address a significant unmet need in Wilson's disease by enabling beneficial regulations at the underlying causes rather than just managing the symptoms of the disease."
Wilson's Disease: An Unmet Medical Need
Wilson's disease affects approximately 1 in 30,000 individuals worldwide and is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, leading to impaired copper metabolism. Current treatments, such as chelating agents (penicillamine and trientine) and zinc therapy, have significant drawbacks, including severe side effects and limited long-term effectiveness. Telomir-1's copper-binding properties offer a potential alternative by directly targeting the underlying mechanisms of the disease.
Clinical Development and Future Milestones
Telomir is advancing studies to expand the therapeutic potential of Telomir-1, including investigations into Type 2 diabetes, Progeria, cancer models, and Alzheimer's disease. The company plans to conduct IND-enabling safety studies in Q2 2025, with the goal of submitting an IND application by Q4 2025. First-in-human clinical trials are anticipated in the first half of 2026.
The company is also optimizing manufacturing processes to support the production of GMP-grade quantities necessary for clinical trials. Additionally, Telomir plans to secure an INAD (Investigational New Animal Drug) application for pets, paving the way for Telomir-1's dual application in both human and veterinary medicine.
Ethical Considerations and Study Design
Telomir discontinued a planned large-scale study on osteoarthritis in dogs due to ethical concerns about inducing the condition. Instead, the company is collaborating with a veterinary institution to design a new study that will recruit elderly dogs who naturally suffer from osteoarthritis.
Market Opportunity
The global anti-aging drugs market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by the increasing demand for treatments that address age-related diseases and promote longevity. Valued at approximately USD 91.05 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach USD 160.24 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.32%. Telomir-1 represents a novel approach by targeting the root causes of age-related diseases, offering a promising path forward in this expanding market.
Financial Position
Telomir has secured additional financing at a 20% premium without warrants, providing the resources needed to advance Telomir-1's development. This financial backing reflects investor confidence in the company's strategic direction and potential for future growth.
