Topical Cream Reduced Skin Lesions in Clinical Study
The RLS-1496 treatment induced a 43.5% mean reduction in actinic keratosis lesions during a Phase 1b/2a trial.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Biotech
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Researchers reported that a 28-day regimen of 1% RLS-1496 cream significantly reduced actinic keratosis lesions in a clinical study of 24 adults. The study, which remains in the research-stage, utilized the untreated forearm of each participant as an internal control.
Why it matters
The treatment functions by inducing ferroptosis—a form of cell death—in senescent cells that accumulate in photodamaged skin. This approach aims to address the underlying cellular drivers of actinic keratosis, a common precancerous skin condition, rather than simply removing individual lesions.
At day 57, 34.8% of treated forearms reached at least 75% lesion clearance, supported by a 33% GPX4 target engagement measured via biopsy.
The players
RLS-1496
An investigational topical cream designed to induce ferroptosis in precancerous, senescent skin cells.
FDA
The U.S. regulatory body responsible for overseeing the clinical trial pipeline and investigational new drug applications.
The details
RLS-1496 is formulated to target GPX4, an enzyme that protects cells from lipid peroxidation, effectively triggering ferroptosis in damaged cells. In the trial, patients applied the cream to a 100 cm² area on the forearm for 28 consecutive days. Biopsy analysis confirmed that the molecule successfully engaged its molecular target within the skin tissue.
Timeline
September 2025: The FDA cleared the investigational new drug application for RLS-1496.
Day 29: Researchers measured a 38.3% mean reduction in lesion counts.
Day 57: Final adverse event and primary clearance endpoints were recorded.
September 30-October 3, 2026: Results were presented at the EADV Congress in Vienna.
The Tech Race
This development follows the broader shift toward senolytic therapies designed to target aging cells in chronic conditions. It marks a move toward using ferroptosis-inducing agents, an area of research currently testing whether clearing photodamaged cells can prevent further skin degradation.
The treatment is currently in the research phase and is not available for clinical use. Further trials will determine its safety and efficacy for larger surface areas like the face before it can move toward regulatory approval.
The takeaway
The study demonstrates that targeted ferroptosis can effectively reduce actinic keratosis lesions in a clinical setting. Observers should track upcoming trial protocols for 12-week treatment windows and data regarding facial applications.
What happens next
Future clinical trials will evaluate the efficacy of the cream when applied to the face and extend treatment durations to at least 12 weeks.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in clinical drug innovation in our Biotech section.
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