Latest news with #Progeria
India.com
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Made for less than Rs 20 crore, this film set a Guinness World Record, became a hit, earned Rs..., story is about..., movie is..
Some movies often touch your heart and soul. No matter how high or low the budget is, these movies with a moving storyline often remain at the top of the audience's watch list despite being released years earlier. One such film was released 14 years ago and still remains fresh in the audience's mind. The film had an out-of-the-box storyline where the roles of an off-screen father and son were reversed. The mind-blowing chemistry between the father and son left the audience speechless. The movie was made for Rs 14 crore, and it turned out to be a hit. The movie we are discussing here is the Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan-starrer Paa. This Film Made Guinness World Record Directed by R. Balki, Paa felt like a fresh breeze of air for the audience who watched it. The movie did not have any high-action massy stunts or a normal rom-com plot. The movie is about a father-son relationship, where the son suffers from Progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes accelerated aging. The movie shows the kind of bond a father and son share with each other where the son looks older than his father. In the movie, Amitabh plays the character of Auro, the kid with Progeria, whereas Abhishek plays his father Amol Arte. The movie also stars Vidya Balan as Amitabh's mother. The intricacies between all three relationships are shown extremely beautifully. For the movie, Amitabh had to achieve a unique look for which a lot of professional makeup artists were hired. Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan made history with the film Paa, earning a Guinness World Record for being the first real-life father and son to portray reversed roles on screen—Amitabh played the son, while Abhishek played the father. Paa Box Office Collection Paa was a semi-hit, and it earned Rs 30 crore in India. On the other hand, the movie collected Rs 47 crore worldwide.
India.com
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Made for Rs 17 crore, this film left audience speechless, set a Guinness World Record, became a hit, earned Rs..., movie is..., lead actors are...
Movies with intriguing storylines have always pulled the audience's heart. These types of storylines have meanings to them and leave a lasting impact on the audience. Today, we will talk about a film which was released 14 years ago and still remains fresh in the audience's mind. This film was made for Rs 14 crore, and it became a hit. The movie registered its name in the Guinness World Record. One of the interesting details of the film was when the off-screen father and son duo reversed their roles on-screen! If you are wondering which film we are talking about, then the movie here in discussion is Paa. This Film Made Guinness World Record Released in 2009, and directed by R. Balki, Paa was a fresh breeze of air for the audience. Away from the toss and turns of cars, gun-fights, and old rom-coms, the storyline of Paa was about a father-son relationship, where the son suffers from Progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes accelerated aging. The story delves under the intricacies of the relationship of a father and son and how they navigate their way during these tough times. In the film, Abhishek Bachchan plays the role of a young politician and doctor, Amol Arte, whereas Amitabh Bachchan plays the role of Arte's son, Auro. Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan created a new history through the film Paa. Both of them got a Guinness World Record for this film because this was the first time when a real-life father and son played opposite roles on screen. Apart from this, Abhishek Bachchan has another record to his name – he created another Guinness record by making the maximum number of public appearances (184 times) in just 12 hours. Paa Box Office Collection The movie was a semi-hit and earned Rs 30 crore in India, whereas the worldwide collection of Paa was Rs 47 crore. Apart from Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, the movie also featured Vidya Balan, who played the role of Auro's mother. The film got a 7.1 IMDb rating.
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Telomir Pharmaceuticals Prevents Cellular Aging in Patient-Derived Cells from Children with Progeria - an Ultra-Rare Genetic Disorder that Causes Rapid Aging
Study used cell lines obtained from the Progeria Research Foundation to evaluate Telomir-1's effects on key drivers of accelerated aging MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / June 18, 2025 / Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:TELO), a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on reversing biological aging and age-related diseases, today announced compelling new preclinical data showing that its lead candidate, Telomir-1, prevented cellular aging in human progeria cell lines obtained from the Progeria Research Foundation. Progeria, or Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), is an ultra-rare pediatric disorder caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene. This mutation results in the production of an abnormal protein called progerin, which drives rapid biological aging in children. There are an estimated 400-500 known cases worldwide, including fewer than 30 children currently living with the disease in the United States. Symptoms typically begin within the first two years of life and include growth failure, joint stiffness, loss of body fat and hair, and severe cardiovascular disease. Children with progeria have an average life expectancy of just 13 to 15 years, with most dying from heart attacks or strokes at a young age. The only FDA-approved therapy for progeria, Zokinvy® (lonafarnib), is a farnesyltransferase inhibitor that has been shown to extend lifespan by an average of 4.3 years. However, Zokinvy does not reverse the underlying disease pathology or halt cardiovascular deterioration, which remains the leading cause of death. No approved therapy restores normal cell function or reverses the biological hallmarks of accelerated aging in progeria, highlighting a significant and urgent unmet medical need. Telomir-1 is designed to regulate intracellular metal ions, reduce oxidative stress, restore mitochondrial function, extend telomere length, reverse muscle loss, and reset age-associated DNA methylation patterns - all of which are critical biological pathways implicated in progeria and broader age-related diseases. In this study, conducted by Smart Assays, Telomir-1 was tested in cells taken directly from a child with HGPS. These cells were obtained from The Progeria Research Foundation ( The study evaluated cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular calcium signaling - a marker of mitochondrial dysfunction - under both normal and stress-induced conditions. Key findings include: Improved cell viability: Telomir-1 increased survival in a dose-dependent manner, both under basal conditions and even under stress conditions induced by copper and iron-two metal ions known to accelerate aging by generating oxidative damage and destabilizing DNA and of oxidative stress: Progeria cells exhibited abnormally high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a hallmark of cellular aging. Telomir-1 normalized these levels, both under basal conditions and even when ROS was further elevated by toxic metal of mitochondrial function: Iron-induced calcium overload - a signal of mitochondrial damage and a known feature of HGPS - was significantly reduced with Telomir-1, indicating restored mitochondrial regulation and improved cellular energy balance. These results demonstrate that Telomir-1 directly addresses the core cellular dysfunctions driving disease features in progeria - not only protecting cells from damage but restoring critical biological functions. The fact that these results were observed in actual patient-derived human cells offers strong early validation of Telomir-1's therapeutic potential. "These results provide the strongest evidence to date that Telomir-1 is not only protective but also restorative at the molecular and cellular level," said Dr. Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor of Telomir. "What's especially promising is that the improvements we observed directly target the mechanisms known to drive disease progression in progeria - oxidative stress, metal toxicity, and mitochondrial instability. This level of functional rescue in actual patient-derived cells is highly encouraging as we move toward clinical translation. These studies come as further validation of the very promising results obtained previously in both nematode and zebrafish models of adult progeria." "These findings deepen our conviction that Telomir-1 can be a first-in-class therapeutic platform for rare aging syndromes and broader age-related diseases," said Erez Aminov, CEO of Telomir. "By demonstrating the ability to reverse cellular damage in human progeria cells, Telomir-1 represents a potential breakthrough for children who currently have no real options beyond modestly delaying the inevitable. This work also lays the foundation for broader applications in neurodegeneration, metabolic dysfunction, and systemic aging. The new data also build on previously reported studies in zebrafish and C. elegans nematodes harboring the wrn gene mutation (a model of adult progeria, or Werner syndrome), where Telomir-1 significantly extended lifespan, restored telomere length, reversed muscle degeneration, and normalized molecular age markers. Telomir is currently finalizing IND-enabling studies for Telomir-1 and plans to engage with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explore regulatory pathways, including the potential for orphan drug designation. The company is evaluating multiple rare disease indications for initial clinical development. 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 Telomir explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law. Contact Information Helga Moya info@ 396-6723 SOURCE: Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc
Indianapolis Star
18-06-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Telomir Pharmaceuticals Prevents Cellular Aging in Patient-Derived Cells from Children with Progeria – an Ultra-Rare Genetic Disorder that Causes Rapid Aging
Study used cell lines obtained from the Progeria Research Foundation to evaluate Telomir-1's effects on key drivers of accelerated aging MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:TELO), a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on reversing biological aging and age-related diseases, today announced compelling new preclinical data showing that its lead candidate, Telomir-1, prevented cellular aging in human progeria cell lines obtained from the Progeria Research Foundation. Progeria, or Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), is an ultra-rare pediatric disorder caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene. This mutation results in the production of an abnormal protein called progerin, which drives rapid biological aging in children. There are an estimated 400-500 known cases worldwide, including fewer than 30 children currently living with the disease in the United States. Symptoms typically begin within the first two years of life and include growth failure, joint stiffness, loss of body fat and hair, and severe cardiovascular disease. Children with progeria have an average life expectancy of just 13 to 15 years, with most dying from heart attacks or strokes at a young age. The only FDA-approved therapy for progeria, Zokinvy® (lonafarnib), is a farnesyltransferase inhibitor that has been shown to extend lifespan by an average of 4.3 years. However, Zokinvy does not reverse the underlying disease pathology or halt cardiovascular deterioration, which remains the leading cause of death. No approved therapy restores normal cell function or reverses the biological hallmarks of accelerated aging in progeria, highlighting a significant and urgent unmet medical need. Telomir-1 is designed to regulate intracellular metal ions, reduce oxidative stress, restore mitochondrial function, extend telomere length, reverse muscle loss, and reset age-associated DNA methylation patterns – all of which are critical biological pathways implicated in progeria and broader age-related diseases. In this study, conducted by Smart Assays, Telomir-1 was tested in cells taken directly from a child with HGPS. These cells were obtained from The Progeria Research Foundation ( The study evaluated cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular calcium signaling – a marker of mitochondrial dysfunction – under both normal and stress-induced conditions. Key findings include: Improved cell viability: Telomir-1 increased survival in a dose-dependent manner, both under basal conditions and even under stress conditions induced by copper and iron-two metal ions known to accelerate aging by generating oxidative damage and destabilizing DNA and telomeres. Reduction of oxidative stress: Progeria cells exhibited abnormally high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a hallmark of cellular aging. Telomir-1 normalized these levels, both under basal conditions and even when ROS was further elevated by toxic metal exposure. Restoration of mitochondrial function: Iron-induced calcium overload – a signal of mitochondrial damage and a known feature of HGPS – was significantly reduced with Telomir-1, indicating restored mitochondrial regulation and improved cellular energy balance. These results demonstrate that Telomir-1 directly addresses the core cellular dysfunctions driving disease features in progeria – not only protecting cells from damage but restoring critical biological functions. The fact that these results were observed in actual patient-derived human cells offers strong early validation of Telomir-1's therapeutic potential. 'These results provide the strongest evidence to date that Telomir-1 is not only protective but also restorative at the molecular and cellular level,' said Dr. Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor of Telomir. 'What's especially promising is that the improvements we observed directly target the mechanisms known to drive disease progression in progeria – oxidative stress, metal toxicity, and mitochondrial instability. This level of functional rescue in actual patient-derived cells is highly encouraging as we move toward clinical translation. These studies come as further validation of the very promising results obtained previously in both nematode and zebrafish models of adult progeria.' 'These findings deepen our conviction that Telomir-1 can be a first-in-class therapeutic platform for rare aging syndromes and broader age-related diseases,' said Erez Aminov, CEO of Telomir. 'By demonstrating the ability to reverse cellular damage in human progeria cells, Telomir-1 represents a potential breakthrough for children who currently have no real options beyond modestly delaying the inevitable. This work also lays the foundation for broader applications in neurodegeneration, metabolic dysfunction, and systemic aging. The new data also build on previously reported studies in zebrafish and C. elegans nematodes harboring the wrn gene mutation (a model of adult progeria, or Werner syndrome), where Telomir-1 significantly extended lifespan, restored telomere length, reversed muscle degeneration, and normalized molecular age markers. Telomir is currently finalizing IND-enabling studies for Telomir-1 and plans to engage with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explore regulatory pathways, including the potential for orphan drug designation. The company is evaluating multiple rare disease indications for initial clinical development. 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 Telomir explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law. Contact Information SOURCE: Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Vidya Balan on the after effects of COVID-19: 'Studios feel it would be safer to bet on the historically male-led films'
Vidya Balan, who is known for acing women-centric films, feels that post-pandemic, the studios are feeling the pinch financially and hence are going back to the safer bet of choosing male-led films. (Also read: Vidya Balan calls out AI-generated content featuring her: 'It does not reflect my views or work') In a recent interview with Deadline, Vidya opened up about her illustrious career and making a niche for herself by choosing films which have strong and layered female characters. However, when the actor was starting her acting journey, she didn't have the luxury of choice as such characters were simply not being written. 'There was no question of strategising (to play strong characters) because one had never really seen women take centre stage in mainstream films. The few films that I enjoyed where women were leading the story were in art house cinema. The only film I can think of which was commercially viable and led by a woman was Chaalbaaz," said Vidya. But then came her debut film Parineeta in 2005, which was an author-backed role based on a novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. While discussing her filmography, the actor talked about films like Paa, where she played a single mother to a 12-year-old son with a rare genetic condition called Progeria; getting into the skin of the titular role in Shakuntala Devi-- also known as a human computer. And the ambitious housewife who becomes a radio jockey for a late-night relationship advice show in Tumhari Sulu. However, the actor feels that after COVID-19, audiences stopped going to theaters, making it difficult for studios to invest in women-centric films. 'Post-pandemic, people in India have lost the habit of going to the theatres to watch films. The studios feel it would be safer to bet on the historically male-led films. In my opinion, this calls for a reinvention in the female-led film space,' Vidya said.
