Senolytics

Senolytics are drugs that hunt down and kill senescent "zombie" cells, the worn-out cells that pile up in your tissues with age. They spare healthy cells. They work by exploiting the survival tricks those cells rely on, like BCL-2 family proteins and PI3K/AKT signaling. One peptide, FOXO4-DRI, instead breaks up the FOXO4-p53 partnership. Each drug hits a different weakness, so they are not interchangeable. The most-studied candidates are dasatinib plus quercetin, fisetin, and navitoclax. In animals, short bursts improve physical function and extend healthspan. In humans the evidence is still stuck at early-phase trials. Using them outside a study is not established practice.

Last reviewed: June 22, 2026

This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer