Rubedo Life Sciences reported preliminary Phase 1b/2a data showing topical RLS-1496 1% cream produced a 46% reduction in actinic keratosis lesion count at four weeks in the first 18 of 24 patients evaluated, versus an 11% reduction in untreated controls.
The open-label, multicenter U.S. trial assessed safety, tolerability and clinical effects on forearm lesions. RLS-1496 was associated with favorable safety with no serious adverse events and no discontinuations due to adverse events during the four-week study and caused minimal local irritation, according to the company.
The company describes RLS-1496 as an investigational, first-in-class selective GPX4 modulator targeting senescent and stressed aging cells and frames the agent within a novel category it calls Adaptive SenoTherapeutics.
Interim data were presented at the RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference on May 19, 2026, and the company said a Phase 2b dose-ranging AK study will begin in Q4.
The company also cites earlier Phase 1b results showing primary safety endpoints met and early efficacy signals in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and photo-aging.
