Experimental skin cream linked to 2-year drop in biological age in early study
An experimental skin cream altered molecular markers associated with aging and inflammation in an early human trial, according to preliminary data released by its developer this week.
Rubedo Life Sciences, a biotechnology company based in Mountain View, California, tested its investigational treatment, RLS-1496, in patients with eczema and other skin conditions.
In an analysis of 11 paired skin samples from patients with atopic dermatitis, researchers reported that four weeks of treatment was associated with an average 2.1-year decrease in measured epigenetic skin age — an estimate based on age-related changes in DNA.
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Rubedo CEO Dr. Frederick Beddingfield said the "significant" early findings warrant further investigation.
"This is one of the few drugs developed for aging in general and with AI to show positive data in humans in multiple indications and to show a reduction in skin age," Beddingfield told Fox News Digital.
He believes the early results will translate into "clinical improvements with longer-term treatment."
The latest skin-aging findings have been presented at a scientific conference, but have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.
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RLS-1496 is designed to target senescent cells — aging or damaged cells that have stopped dividing, but can release substances that promote inflammation.
The drug targets a protein called GPX4, which helps cells respond to stress. Researchers are studying whether blocking it can clear away damaged, aging cells while helping healthier cells survive.
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Beddingfield described the approach as targeting cellular aging rather than simply treating its outward effects.
"It's a bit like 'what does not kill you makes you stronger' for those surviving cells," he added.
Skin samples showed a 10% increase in a type of collagen that helps support the skin, according to the company. Blood tests also showed lower levels of several markers linked to inflammation, although it is not yet clear what those changes mean for patients' health.
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The preliminary findings come with several limitations. The skin-aging analysis included just 11 paired samples and measured biological signs of aging in the skin rather than whether the skin actually looked younger or functioned better.
Treatment lasted only four weeks, so it is not known whether the changes will persist. The studies were sponsored by Rubedo, and the latest skin-aging findings have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.
"Our next trial will treat for several months," Beddingfield said.
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The treatment is also being tested for other skin issues. In a separate early-stage study of 22 patients with actinic keratosis — rough, precancerous skin patches caused by sun exposure — the company reported a 49% average reduction in lesions after 28 days of treatment.
The open-label study compared treated forearms with untreated forearms rather than a placebo cream.
The cream caused minimal skin irritation, and the drug was detected in the blood of very few participants, according to the company.
"With topical application, we have seen very little risk," Beddingfield said. "Local irritation is rarely seen and generally mild when it occurs, and no one has discontinued treatment to date. Very few subjects show any drug in their blood after skin application."
Rubedo is also beginning an early-stage trial of RLS-1496 for androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss.
Beddingfield estimated that potential FDA approval remains three to four years away, pending larger clinical trials.