Senolytic cell-penetrating peptide (D-retro-inverso)
An experimental peptide designed to selectively kill 'zombie' senescent cells that accumulate with age and drive tissue decline.
| Class / type | Senolytic cell-penetrating peptide (D-retro-inverso) |
|---|---|
| Category | Longevity & Cellular |
| Status (Jul 2026) | Research use only |
It disrupts the interaction between the FOXO4 and p53 proteins, causing p53 to exit the nucleus in senescent cells and triggering their programmed cell death (apoptosis) while largely sparing healthy cells.
Preclinical research into aging, senescent-cell clearance, healthspan, cartilage and vascular aging, and fibrosis models.
In the landmark 2017 mouse study it selectively cleared senescent cells and improved markers of fitness, fur density, and kidney function; continues to show senolytic effects across several tissue models.
Entirely preclinical with no human trials; safety, dosing, and tissue distribution in humans are unknown; potential risks from inducing widespread cell death; sold only as an unregulated research chemical.
Longevity enthusiasts view it with strong interest as an anti-aging tool, but sentiment is speculative given the lack of human data.
NOT FDA-approved and not in human clinical trials; it is an experimental research-use-only compound not authorized for human use.