VialOwlLibrary / Longevity
FOXO4-DRI
Also known as Proxofim, FOXO4 D-retro-inverso peptide
Animal studies only
Synthetic peptide designed to disrupt the FOXO4 and p53 interaction and trigger death of senescent cells. Studied only in cells and mice.
Not an approved medicine. FOXO4-DRI is not an approved medicine for this use in Australia or the United States. This page summarises published research for information only. It is not a recommendation to use FOXO4-DRI, and VialOwl does not sell or supply it.
Background
A synthetic peptide made from D amino acids in reverse order (a D-retro-inverso design) based on part of the FOXO4 protein, created by Peter de Keizer's group at Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, and published in 2017.
How it is thought to work
It blocks FOXO4 from holding p53 inside senescent (worn out) cells. p53 then moves out of the nucleus and the senescent cell self destructs, while normal cells are largely spared in lab studies.
What is claimed, and the evidence
| Claim | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing senescent cells and restoring fitness, fur and kidney function in old age | Animal studies only | Shown in fast ageing and naturally aged mice (2017). |
| Restoring testosterone production in older males | Animal studies only | Improved testosterone in aged mice (2020). |
| Anti ageing, hair regrowth and longevity in people | No published evidence | Marketed online; no human studies. |
Side effects
| Effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Human side effects Serious | Frequency unknown | No human studies exist. Because it acts on p53, a key tumour suppressor, effects in people are unknown. |
Warnings
- Studied only in cells and mice; there is no human safety data.
- It targets p53 signalling, which is central to cancer protection; effects of long term use are unknown.
- Unapproved products bought online are not checked by any regulator for purity, sterility or strength; they may be contaminated, underdosed, overdosed or contain a different substance to the label.
Regulatory status
- Australia
- Not included on the ARTG (unapproved). Not specifically listed in the Poisons Standard (June 2026).
- United States
- Not FDA approved. No FDA compounding category entry found.
Sources
- Baar et al. 2017, Targeted apoptosis of senescent cells restores tissue homeostasis, Cell (PubMed)
- Bourgeois et al. 2025, The p53 transactivation domain is the target of FOXO4 and FOXO4-DRI (PubMed)
- Zhang et al. 2020, FOXO4-DRI alleviates age related testosterone insufficiency in aged mice (PubMed)
Also in Longevity
From the VialOwl library, reviewed 26 September 2026. For education and general information. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use FOXO4-DRI.