FOXO4-DRI

Research Only

Anti-Aging Peptides · Senolytic

FOXO4-DRI is a senolytic peptide that selectively induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in senescent cells — damaged cells that accumulate with age and drive inflammation and tissue dysfunction.

What is FOXO4-DRI?

FOXO4-DRI is a senolytic peptide that selectively induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in senescent cells — damaged cells that accumulate with age and drive inflammation and tissue dysfunction. It is one of the most promising peptide-based approaches to biological aging.

Also known as: FOXO4-D-Retro-Inverso, Proxofim

How Does FOXO4-DRI Work?

Competes with natural FOXO4 for binding to p53 in senescent cells. By disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction, it releases p53 to trigger apoptosis specifically in senescent cells. Non-senescent cells are unaffected because they don't rely on FOXO4-p53 binding for survival.

What is FOXO4-DRI Used For?

  • Senescent cell clearance
  • Anti-aging
  • Tissue rejuvenation

Potential Side Effects

  • Transient diarrhea
  • Injection site reactions
  • Unknown long-term effects

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Active cancer
  • Immunosuppression
  • Children

FDA Legal Status

United States — FDA

Research Only

This peptide is currently investigational and not approved for clinical use.

Related Peptides

Head-to-head comparisons:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are senescent cells and why remove them?
Senescent cells are damaged cells that stop dividing but don't die. They accumulate with age and secrete inflammatory molecules (SASP) that damage surrounding tissue, drive chronic inflammation, and accelerate aging. Removing them has been shown to rejuvenate tissues in animal studies.
Is FOXO4-DRI safe for humans?
FOXO4-DRI has been studied in mice with dramatic results (restored fitness, fur density, kidney function in aged mice). Human safety data is extremely limited. It remains a research compound. The D-retro-inverso structure makes it protease-resistant but also means it's novel to the human body.

Quick Facts

Legal Status (USA)
Research Only
Evidence Rating
CPreliminary Evidence (Mostly Preclinical)
Class / Subclass
Anti-Aging Peptides / Senolytic
Administration
subcutaneous, intravenous
Typical Dosage
5-50mg per session (variable protocols)
Year Discovered
2017

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sources & references

Primary sources used for the dosing, mechanism, side-effect, and regulatory claims on this page. Verify time-sensitive information (regulatory status, prescribing details) on the source before relying on it for medical decisions. See our disclaimer.

  1. PubMed PMID 28340339 — peer-reviewed primary literature on FOXO4-DRI.
  2. FDA Federal Register — official notice record for FDA regulatory actions and Category 1 / 503A bulk-substance updates.