FOXO4-DRI

Also known as: FOXO4-DRI, FOX04-D-Retro-Inverso, Senolytic peptide FOXO4

What is it?
FOXO4-DRI is an engineered peptide designed to kill a very specific type of cell: senescent cells, often called “zombie cells”. These are old cells that have stopped dividing but refuse to die, and in doing so release inflammatory signals that damage surrounding tissue. FOXO4-DRI is a research tool for studying what happens when these cells are removed.

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Key Benefits (from research)

– Selectively kills senescent (“zombie”) cells – The foundational Cell (2017) study showed FOXO4-DRI triggers programmed cell death specifically in senescent cells, leaving healthy cells largely intact.

– Restored fitness and organ function in aged mice – In aged and chemotherapy-damaged mice, FOXO4-DRI restored fur density, physical fitness, and kidney function.

– Supports vascular health in ageing research — A 2025 study showed FOXO4-DRI improved aortic function and removed senescent cells from blood vessel walls in aged mice.

– Relevant to testosterone decline – Research in aged mouse testes shows FOXO4-DRI targets senescent hormone-producing cells and partially restores testosterone production.

– Studied in scar tissue – Single-cell analysis identified excess senescent cells in keloid scars; FOXO4-DRI reduced these cells and their inflammatory secretions.

– Potential in cartilage repair — A tissue engineering study found FOXO4-DRI removed over half the senescent cells from expanded cartilage cells, improving the quality of cartilage generated from them.

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Quick Q&A

What is FOXO4-DRI used for in research?
It is the leading research tool for studying the clearance of senescent (“zombie”) cells and what happens to tissue health, vascular function, and hormone production when they are removed.

Is it approved for people?
No – all evidence is preclinical. It is sold for laboratory research only.

Important Notice
Sold for laboratory research only. Not for human use. Must be 18+

More information
FOXO4-DRI is a D-retro-inverso peptide designed to antagonise the interaction between FOXO4 and p53 in senescent cells. Senescent cells normally resist apoptosis by maintaining this FOXO4-p53 interaction; FOXO4-DRI disrupts this, selectively inducing apoptosis in senescent cells. A frontier compound in cellular senescence and longevity research. For laboratory research use only.