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.