Anti-Aging Research Guide

FOX-04: Dosage, Benefits & Research Guide

Key Facts

FOX-04 is a anti-aging research peptide (C228H388N86O64, MW 5358.05 g/mol). Senolytic peptide for selective senescent cell clearance research. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory and in-vitro research use only — not for human consumption.

Classification	Senolytic peptide for selective senescent cell clearance research.
Molecular Formula	C228H388N86O64
Molecular Weight	5358.05 g/mol
Research Half-Life	Not established in published literature
Form	Lyophilized powder
Research Category	Anti-Aging

What is FOX-04?

FOXO4-DRI (Proxofim) is a D-retro-inverso peptide designed to disrupt the interaction between FOXO4 (Forkhead box O4) and p53 in senescent cells. In cellular senescence, FOXO4 sequesters p53 in the nucleus, preventing p53-mediated apoptosis and allowing damaged senescent cells to persist. FOXO4-DRI competitively binds FOXO4, displacing p53, which then translocates to mitochondria and triggers the intrinsic apoptotic pathway selectively in senescent cells, while leaving healthy cells unaffected due to their low FOXO4 expression. The landmark study by Baar et al. (2017) published in Cell demonstrated that FOXO4-DRI selectively induced apoptosis in senescent human fibroblasts in vitro and cleared senescent cells in naturally aged and fast-aging XpdTTD/TTD mice in vivo. Treated mice showed restored fur density, improved renal function, and increased exploratory behavior. This study established FOXO4-DRI as one of the first peptide-based senolytics with demonstrated in vivo efficacy. Follow-up research has explored its effects on senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) reduction and tissue rejuvenation markers. Compared to small-molecule senolytics like dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q) or navitoclax (ABT-263), FOXO4-DRI operates through a fundamentally different mechanism targeting the FOXO4-p53 protein-protein interaction rather than Bcl-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins or tyrosine kinases. The D-retro-inverso design provides protease resistance while maintaining binding specificity, though at a higher molecular weight than small-molecule alternatives. FOXO4-DRI must be stored lyophilized at -20°C and protected from light and moisture. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and store at 2-8°C, using within 2-3 weeks. This peptide is studied by aging biologists, senescence researchers, geroscientists, and nephrology and dermatology researchers investigating senolytic interventions for age-related tissue deterioration.

FOX-04 Research Applications

In published and preclinical research, FOX-04 has been studied across the following areas:

Senescent cell clearance studies
Cardiovascular and renal function
Insulin signaling and stress resilience
Neurological health research

FOX-04 in Research: Reconstitution & Study Concentrations

FOX-04 is supplied as a lyophilized powder. For laboratory research it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water; the solvent volume sets the working concentration. Published studies select concentrations specific to the assay or model system — there is no human dose, as FOX-04 is not approved for human use. Researchers should reference the primary literature for the model in question and document the exact lot COA.

Worked example: a 10mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 5.00 mg/mL.

Open the reconstitution calculator

FOX-04 — Frequently Asked Questions

What is FOXO4-DRI (Proxofim) and how does it work?

FOXO4-DRI is a D-retro-inverso peptide designed to disrupt the interaction between FOXO4 transcription factor and p53 tumor suppressor protein in senescent cells. In normal senescent cells, FOXO4 binds p53 in the nucleus, preventing p53 from triggering apoptosis. FOXO4-DRI competes with endogenous FOXO4 for p53 binding, releasing p53 to induce selective apoptosis of senescent cells while sparing healthy cells — functioning as a targeted senolytic agent.

What research has been done on FOXO4-DRI?

Landmark research published in Cell (2017) by Baar et al. at Erasmus University Medical Center demonstrated that FOXO4-DRI selectively induced apoptosis in senescent cells both in vitro and in naturally aged mice. Treated mice showed restored fur density, kidney function, and fitness levels. The study showed that FOXO4-DRI's D-retro-inverso structure provided protease resistance while maintaining bioactivity — a key advance in senolytic peptide design.

How does FOXO4-DRI compare to small-molecule senolytics like Dasatinib + Quercetin?

The Dasatinib + Quercetin (D+Q) combination targets senescent cells through kinase inhibition and Bcl-2 family modulation. FOXO4-DRI uses a fundamentally different mechanism — disrupting the specific FOXO4-p53 protein-protein interaction that maintains senescent cell survival. D+Q is orally bioavailable and has more extensive in-vivo data, while FOXO4-DRI offers potentially greater selectivity due to its targeted mechanism. Both represent important tools in senescence research.

What is the recommended reconstitution protocol for FOX-04?

For this 10mg vial, reconstitute with 1mL of bacteriostatic water to yield a concentration of 10.0mg/mL. Inject the water slowly along the inner wall of the vial — do not shake or agitate. Allow the lyophilized powder to dissolve fully (typically 2-5 minutes). Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and use within 30 days.

Is FOX-04 legal to buy for research?

FOX-04 is sold in the United States as a research chemical for laboratory and in-vitro use only. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is not sold for human consumption. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.

How is FOX-04 reconstituted for research use?

FOX-04 ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water before use in research. The volume of solvent added determines the working concentration — use the Elyte reconstitution calculator to derive the exact concentration for a given vial size and solvent volume.

Does FOX-04 come with a Certificate of Analysis?

Yes. Every batch of FOX-04 from Elyte Peptides ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting identity and HPLC purity (≥98%), so research results can be traced to a verified lot.

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