Senolytic therapy
DESenolytische Therapie
Senolytic therapy uses drugs or natural compounds to selectively kill senescent cells. These 'zombie' cells build up in you with age and leak a toxic mix (the SASP) of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and tissue-remodeling enzymes (MMPs). Senolytics work by hitting the survival circuits that senescent cells rely on (called SCAPs), tipping those cells into self-destruction. The aim is to reduce age-related dysfunction. The evidence is strong in animal models. But human trials are still small and early, so clinical benefit, the right dose, and long-term safety are unproven. The most advanced human program so far is Unity Biotechnology's UBX1325 (foselutoclax). Its BEHOLD trial in diabetic macular edema published peer-reviewed results in NEJM Evidence (April 2025). And the Phase 2b ASPIRE 36-week readout followed via a Unity press release in May 2025.
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Sources
- Hickson LJ, Langhi Prata LGP, Bobart SA et al.. (2019). Senolytics decrease senescent cells in humans: Preliminary report from a clinical trial of Dasatinib plus Quercetin in individuals with diabetic kidney disease. *EBioMedicine*doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.08.069
- Justice JN, Nambiar AM, Tchkonia T et al.. (2019). Senolytics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Results from a first-in-human, open-label, pilot study. *EBioMedicine*doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.12.052