Rubedo Life Sciences, a clinical-stage biotech specialising in selective cellular rejuvenation therapies, has formed a strategic partnership with Saudi-based SVAX to advance its lead candidate RLS-1946 into Phase 2 clinical trials across Saudi Arabia and the Emirate of Dubai. The collaboration was announced during Future Investment Initiative week in Riyadh and highlights the region’s growing importance in healthspan research.

SVAX, a leading vaccine and biologics manufacturer and clinical research organisation, will support Rubedo in regulatory filings and the conduct of trials, alongside Fakeeh Care Group. The partnership follows U.S. FDA clearance of Rubedo’s Investigational New Drug application for a Phase 1b/2a study with RLS-1496 in patients with actinic keratosis, positioning the GCC trial to begin in Q2 2026.

Rubedo’s approach targets pathologic senescent cells through selective GPX4 modulation. These “aged” cells drive chronic degenerative conditions, including dermatological, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. By sensitising these cells to ferroptosis, RLS-1496 has the potential to clear dysfunctional cells while supporting healthy tissue function, offering a first-in-class disease-modifying therapy.

The partnership reflects a broader vision of incorporating historically underrepresented patient populations into clinical trials, enhancing diversity and representativeness in outcomes. Saudi Arabia’s strategic positioning at the crossroads of three continents will provide unique clinical insights, particularly for conditions like atopic dermatitis, which affects up to 30% of the adult population and manifests differently across ethnicities.

The collaboration also underscores the rapid growth of the regional biotech landscape, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s National Biotech Strategy. Leaders from Rubedo, SVAX, and Hevolution emphasised the opportunity to elevate healthspan science locally while contributing to global advancements in longevity therapeutics.

Discover how Rubedo and SVAX are shaping the future of cellular rejuvenation therapies and healthspan innovation.