An experimental topical treatment from Rubedo Life Sciences was associated with changes in molecular markers tied to aging and inflammation in an early human trial, according to preliminary company data. The investigational cream, RLS-1496, was tested in patients with eczema and other skin conditions.

The Mountain View, California, biotechnology company analyzed 11 paired skin samples from patients with atopic dermatitis. After four weeks of treatment, researchers reported an average decrease of 2.1 years in measured epigenetic skin age, an estimate based on changes in DNA associated with age.

Rubedo CEO Dr. Frederick Beddingfield called the early findings "significant" and said they 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.

Beddingfield said he believes the early results will translate into "clinical improvements with longer-term treatment." The latest findings on skin aging were presented at a scientific conference but have not been published as a full peer reviewed study.

RLS-1496 is designed to target senescent cells, which are aging or damaged cells that have stopped dividing. These cells can release substances that promote inflammation, according to the source.

The drug targets a protein called GPX4, which helps cells respond to stress. Researchers are examining whether blocking the protein can remove damaged, aging cells while helping healthier cells survive.

Beddingfield characterized the approach as addressing cellular aging rather than simply treating its visible 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 Rubedo. Blood tests also showed lower levels of several markers associated with inflammation, although the significance of those changes for patients’ health remains unclear.

The preliminary findings carry substantial limitations. The skin aging analysis involved only 11 paired samples and measured biological signs of aging in skin rather than determining whether the skin looked younger or functioned better.

Treatment lasted only four weeks, leaving it unknown whether the reported changes will persist. The studies were sponsored by Rubedo, and the latest skin aging results still await publication as a full peer reviewed study.

"Our next trial will treat for several months," Beddingfield said. That planned study will extend the treatment period beyond the four weeks examined in the initial analysis.

Rubedo is also testing RLS-1496 for other skin problems. In a separate early stage study involving 22 patients with actinic keratosis, the company reported an average 49% reduction in lesions after 28 days of treatment.

Actinic keratoses are rough, precancerous skin patches caused by sun exposure. The open label study compared treated forearms with untreated forearms instead of using a placebo cream.

The company reported that the cream caused minimal skin irritation and was detected in the blood of very few participants. "With topical application, we have seen very little risk," Beddingfield said.

Beddingfield said local irritation was rarely observed and was generally mild when it occurred, with no participants discontinuing treatment to date. Rubedo is also beginning an early stage trial of RLS-1496 for androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern hair loss.

Potential FDA prescription approval remains three to four years away and would depend on larger clinical trials, according to Beddingfield’s estimate. Nonprescription cosmetic formulations using similar mechanisms could reach the market within a year.