An AI-designed lung drug may have slowed 'biological age' in blood tests

Rentosertib, a drug designed with AI by Insilico Medicine, is being tested for lung scarring (IPF). Scientists re-checked blood samples from 42 people in its 12-week trial using six 'ageing clocks', and all six read lower biological age on the drug than on placebo. These are computer estimates from blood proteins, and 8 of the 19 authors, including the company's chief executive, work for the drug's maker, Insilico Medicine. Rating: Early research.

What is it?

An ageing clock is a computer model that looks at the levels of thousands of proteins in your blood and estimates how old your body 'looks' on the inside. This study ran six of them on blood saved from an earlier trial of rentosertib in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease that scars the lungs.

What's the evidence?

1. The original trial gave 71 people with IPF in China either rentosertib or a dummy pill for 12 weeks. 43 agreed to the extra blood-protein testing, and 42 were analysed.^[1]

   Evidence stage: Early research · #c1

2. All six ageing clocks put treated patients at a lower biological age than the placebo group. Across 54 comparisons (6 clocks × 3 time points × 3 dose groups), 21 were statistically significant using a lenient threshold (Q < 0.10), most of them at week 4 (11 of 18). The signal was strongest at week 4 and levelled off by week 12, with fewer significant comparisons. The authors' shuffle test suggests 21 significant results is more than chance alone would produce, but this is still one small study using a lenient threshold.^[1]

   Evidence stage: Early research · #c2

3. The authors say the clocks can't separate an ageing effect from the drug simply easing the lung disease, and that their evidence is computational and indirect.^[1]

   Evidence stage: Early research · #c3

4. Insilico Medicine's founder and chief executive is an author, and seven other authors are Insilico employees.^[1]

   Evidence stage: Early research · #c4

What does it mean for me?

Nothing changes for you yet. Rentosertib isn't approved for anything, and 'lower biological age' here is a blood-test estimate, not proof anyone will live longer or stay healthier. If you have IPF, ask your lung specialist about trials.

What could I ask my doctor?

• Are there clinical trials for IPF that I could join?

These are general starting points, not a recommendation to choose any particular test or treatment.

If you're worried about your health right now, contact your doctor or local health advice line. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number.

Change history

• 22 October 2026: First published.

General information only, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your situation. AI-assisted source check. Not clinically reviewed.