Senolytics — Senomorphics

What are senescent cells?

Senescent cells — often called "zombie cells" — are cells that have stopped dividing but refuse to die. They accumulate with age, after DNA damage, or after cellular stress. Rather than undergoing apoptosis (programmed cell death) they enter a permanent arrested state and begin secreting a toxic cocktail of inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and growth factors known as SASP (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype).

SASP damages neighboring cells, promotes chronic inflammation, impairs tissue regeneration, and drives many hallmarks of aging: fibrosis, immune decline, metabolic dysfunction, and increased cancer risk. By the time you're 60-70, senescent cells may constitute a significant fraction of certain tissues.

Senolytics vs senomorphics

Senolytics. Kill senescent cells selectively. Target anti-apoptotic pathways that allow zombie cells to survive. In research they are given intermittently rather than continuously. Examples: Dasatinib+Quercetin, Fisetin, Navitoclax

Senomorphics. Do not kill senescent cells, but suppress SASP — reducing the inflammatory signals they release. In research they are studied with continuous exposure. Lower risk profile than true senolytics. Examples: Rapamycin, Metformin, Quercetin

Key senolytic compounds

Dasatinib + Quercetin (D+Q) — the most-studied senolytic combination. Dasatinib is an FDA-approved cancer drug (EU: prescription-only / Rx) that has shown remarkable senolytic activity in human trials. Quercetin enhances its effect and reduces side effects. ⚠ Dasatinib is a prescription-only medicine in the EU and cannot legally be obtained or used without a valid medical prescription. Use outside of medical supervision is not advised and may carry legal and health risks. This information is presented for research awareness only.

Fisetin — a flavonoid with potent senolytic activity in animal models and early human data. Mayo Clinic conducted the first human trial. Fisetin also extends healthspan in mice significantly — one of the most promising OTC senolytics.

Navitoclax (ABT-263) — a BCL-2/BCL-XL inhibitor with strong senolytic activity in preclinical models. ⚠ Navitoclax is not approved for clinical use and is not available outside of authorized clinical trials. It is mentioned here solely for completeness in the research landscape and should not be sought or used outside of a formal clinical trial setting.

Connection to peptides

Several peptides tracked on PeptideCompare are discussed in the same research context as senolytics. BPC-157 is studied for tissue regeneration, MOTS-c for the metabolic environment that drives senescence accumulation, Epitalon for telomere-related effects, and GHK-Cu for tissue repair and anti-inflammatory properties.

Where the evidence stands

Most senolytic data come from cell and animal studies. Human trials are early and small, and no senolytic is approved for treating aging.

Sources

1. Hickson LJ, et al. Senolytics decrease senescent cells in humans: preliminary report from a clinical trial of dasatinib plus quercetin in individuals with diabetic kidney disease. eBioMedicine, 2019 — open-label Phase 1, n=9.Source
2. First evidence that senolytics are effective at decreasing senescent cells in humans. eBioMedicine commentary, with the earlier first-in-human pulmonary fibrosis pilot in context.Source