Senolytic

Senolytics are compounds that selectively induce apoptosis in senescent cells, cells that have permanently exited the cell cycle but resist normal apoptotic clearance and continue to secrete inflammatory factors (the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP).

Senescent-cell accumulation is one of the recognized hallmarks of aging. Selectively removing them rejuvenates surrounding tissue in animal models and is a major area of longevity research. The best-studied senolytics are small molecules (dasatinib + quercetin, fisetin), but peptide candidates exist as well.

FOXO4-DRI is the most-cited senolytic peptide in the longevity-research space. It works by disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction that protects senescent cells from apoptosis, thereby releasing them to undergo programmed cell death.