What is FOXO4-DRI?
FOXO4-DRI is a senolytic peptide, a compound that specifically attacks senescent cells, the old, no-longer-dividing cells that accumulate with age and promote inflammation. The idea: remove these "zombie cells" and so rejuvenate tissue.
Up front: exciting mechanism, but purely preclinical, no human data.
How it works
In senescent cells the protein FOXO4 keeps the tumor suppressor p53 in the nucleus and so prevents the cell from going into programmed cell death. FOXO4-DRI specifically disrupts this FOXO4-p53 binding, p53 is freed and the senescent cell dies, while healthy cells are largely spared.
What you need
- The FOXO4-DRI vial (lyophilized powder).
- Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.
Reconstitution
Use the calculator above. A 10mg vial with 2ml water gives 5mg per ml. Just add the water to the vial and let it dissolve.
Dosing
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Injection
Subcutaneous into the subcutaneous fat. Disinfect the site, pinch a skin fold, rotate sites.
What the research shows
A widely noted study (Baar, Cell 2017) showed that FOXO4-DRI removed senescent cells in aged mice and restored fur density, kidney function and fitness, with an extended median lifespan. That is an impressive animal result and an interesting mechanism, but there are no human studies. FOXO4-DRI is clearly experimental.
Side effects
- Solid human data are missing.
- A compound that specifically pushes cells into death is not harmless, particular caution.
- Local reactions at the injection site.
Storage
Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.