Longevity University / Lesson 2
Cellular senescence and senolytics
Damaged cells that stop dividing but do not die can inflame nearby tissue. Clearing them helps mice; human evidence is early.
Education only, not medical advice. Talk to your clinician before changing medication or if you have a condition.
What senescence is
Senescence halts the proliferation of damaged cells, which protects against cancer, but senescent cells accumulate with age and secrete inflammatory factors that may disrupt tissues [1]. It is listed among the hallmarks of aging [2].
The mouse evidence
Genetically removing p16-positive senescent cells delayed age-related disorders in progeroid mice [1]. Senolytic drugs (dasatinib plus quercetin) improved physical function and survival in old mice [3].
Where humans stand
The first human pilot, 14 people with lung fibrosis, was open label and showed feasibility only [4]. The leading senolytic company dissolved in 2025 after a mixed phase 2b result (see Frontier). We do not sell senolytics.
Check your understanding
1. Why do cells become senescent in the first place?- To stop damaged cells from dividing, which limits cancer
- To store fat
Tap to reveal the answer
Answer: a. Senescence constrains malignant progression [1].
Sources
- Baker et al. 2011, Nature. doi.org/10.1038/nature10600
- López-Otín et al. 2023, Cell. doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.001
- Xu et al. 2018, Nat Med. doi.org/10.1038/s41591-018-0092-9
- Justice et al. 2019, EBioMedicine. doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.12.052
DOIs verified against Crossref on 2026-10-15.