Experimental skin cream is associated with a 2-year reduction in biological age in a preliminary study

Rubedo Life Sciences says RLS-1496 skin cream cleared away aging cells, boosted collagen by 10 percent, and slowed skin aging in a four-week pilot study.

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An experimental skin cream altered molecular markers associated with aging and inflammation in a preliminary human trial, according to preliminary data released by its manufacturer this week.

Rubedo Life Sciences, a Mountain View, Calif.-based biotech company, 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, the researchers reported that four weeks of treatment was associated with an average reduction of 2.1 years in the skin's measured epigenetic age—an estimate based on age-related changes in DNA.

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Dr Frederick Bedingfield, CEO of Rubedo, said the "significant" initial findings warranted further research.

An early human trial showed that a new topical treatment, RLS-1496, reduced the measured epigenetic age of the skin by an average of 2.1 years after four weeks of daily use. (iStock)

He believes the early results will translate into "clinical breakthroughs with long-term treatment."

The latest findings on skin aging 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 – old or damaged cells that have stopped dividing but can release substances that increase inflammation.

The drug targets a protein called GPX4 that helps cells respond to stress. Researchers are studying whether blocking it can clear damaged and aging cells while helping healthy cells survive.

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Bedingfield described this approach as targeting cellular aging rather than simply treating its extrinsic effects.

"It makes it a bit like 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' for those surviving cells," he added.

Tissue analysis from this study showed a 10% increase in structural collagen along with a decrease in circulating inflammatory markers. (iStock)

According to the company, skin samples showed a 10 percent increase in a type of collagen that helps support the skin. Blood tests also showed lower levels of several markers associated with inflammation, although it is not yet clear what these changes mean for the patients' health.

The preliminary findings have several limitations. The skin aging analysis included only 11 paired samples and measured biological signs of aging in the skin, not whether the skin actually looked younger or performed better.

The treatment only lasted four weeks, so it's unclear whether the changes will last. These studies are supported by Rubedo, and the latest skin aging findings have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.

"Our next trial will be several months into the treatment," Bedingfield said.

The treatment is also being tested for other skin problems. In a separate early-stage study of 22 patients with actinic keratosis — rough, precancerous skin patches caused by sun exposure — the company reported an average reduction in lesions of 49 percent after 28 days of treatment.

The open-label study compared treated forearms with untreated forearms instead of placebo cream.

While FDA prescription approval is expected to take three to four years, over-the-counter cosmetic formulations using similar mechanisms could be on the market within a year. (iStock)

According to the company, the cream caused minimal skin irritation and the drug was detected in the blood of a small number of participants.

"With topical use, we've seen very little risk," Bedingfield said. "Local irritation is rare and generally mild when it occurs, and no one has discontinued treatment to date. Very few people show the drug in their blood after skin application."

Rubedo is also starting a preliminary trial of RLS-1496 for androgenetic alopecia, or patterned hair loss.

Bedingfield estimated that possible FDA approval is three to four years away pending larger clinical trials.

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