Rentosertib Trial Shows Biological Age Reduction in IPF Patients

A study published in *Nature Biotechnology* reported that the experimental drug rentosertib—being investigated for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—demonstrated the capacity to reduce biological age.

Researchers analyzed blood samples from 42 patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who participated in a 12-week clinical trial. During the trial, some volunteers received varying doses of rentosertib, while others received a placebo. Scientists measured levels of more than 2,800 proteins and assessed participants’ biological age using six distinct algorithms known as “protein clocks”—computational models that estimate biological age based on blood protein composition.

How the protein clocks measured age reduction

All six protein-clock algorithms detected a decrease in calculated biological age among participants who received rentosertib, relative to those in the placebo group. The most pronounced effect was observed in individuals administered 30 mg of rentosertib twice daily.

Protein-level changes linked to aging and fibrosis

The drug altered levels of 326 proteins. Specifically, concentrations declined for certain proteins associated with cellular aging and fibrotic tissue formation, while concentrations increased for proteins involved in metabolic processes and cellular protection against stress.

Potential dual application beyond IPF treatment

The researchers concluded that these findings support further investigation of rentosertib not only as a therapeutic agent for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis but also as a candidate intervention targeting fundamental aging mechanisms.