FOXO4-DRI

In plain English

As we age, some cells stop dividing but refuse to die. These senescent or “zombie” cells release inflammatory signals that harm nearby tissue. FOXO4-DRI is designed to push those cells into dying off naturally, while leaving healthy cells alone.

What it's used for

  • Clearing senescent cells (senolytic)
  • Healthy aging
  • Recovery of tissue function

Benefits

In animal studies, FOXO4-DRI cleared senescent cells and restored fur, physical fitness and kidney function in aged mice. Users report improved energy and recovery after short courses.

How it works

In simple terms: senescent cells survive by holding back their own self-destruct switch, and FOXO4-DRI lets go of it.

In senescent cells, the protein FOXO4 binds p53 and keeps it from triggering cell death. FOXO4-DRI is a decoy that blocks this binding, freeing p53 so the senescent cell self-destructs. Healthy cells rely on this much less, so they are largely spared.

Development history

  • 2017: Described by Peter de Keizer’s team at Erasmus University Medical Center in the journal Cell.

Typical protocols

Educational information only, not medical advice. The information below describes how this peptide has been used in research, on prescription labels or by users. It is not a recommendation. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing anything.

There is no established human dose. These ranges are what users commonly report.

Use Dose Frequency Length
Senolytic course 3–5 mg Every other day 3 doses

Cycling

Short “hit and run” courses, repeated a few times a year at most.

Administration options

Subcutaneous injection.

Reconstitution and dosing calculator

Usually comes in 10 mg vials, mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.

1Peptide in the vial

The total amount printed on the vial label.

2Bacteriostatic water added

More water makes each dose a bigger, easier-to-measure draw. It does not change how much peptide is in the vial.

3Dose per injection

Use the dose from your protocol or your clinician. 1 mg = 1,000 mcg.

4Your syringe

All three are U-100 insulin syringes: 100 units = 1 mL. Smaller barrels make small doses easier to read.

Draw your syringe to

– units

Volume to draw
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Concentration
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Each unit holds
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Doses per vial
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Show the math

    This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.

    Side effects and safety

    • Users report fatigue or flu-like feelings for a day or two after dosing, possibly from cells clearing.
    • No formal safety data in people.
    • It is also expensive and quality varies; independent testing matters.
    • Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

    Common stacks

    Usually used alone during a course.

    Storage

    Powder: refrigerate or freeze. After mixing: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within about 2–3 weeks.

    Compare with

    • Epitalon: a longevity peptide aimed at telomeres rather than senescent cells.
    • SS-31 and MOTS-c: target mitochondria.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why such short courses?

    Senolytics aim to clear cells that build up slowly, so a few doses are thought to be enough for months.

    References

    1. Baar MP, et al. Targeted apoptosis of senescent cells restores tissue homeostasis in response to chemotoxicity and aging. Cell. 2017;169(1):132-147.
    Educational information only. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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