FOXO4-DRI (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
FOXO4-DRI dosage protocols focus on this innovative senolytic peptide (also known as Proxofim) designed to selectively target and eliminate senescent “zombie” cells. As a D-retro-inverso analog of the FOXO4 protein segment, FOXO4-DRI works by disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction in senescent cells, freeing p53 to trigger apoptosis and clear dysfunctional cells[1][2]. Preclinical research has demonstrated benefits including improved physical fitness, restored organ function, enhanced hormonal balance, and reduced tissue fibrosis in aged animal models[3][4]. This educational protocol presents an intermittent subcutaneous approach using a practical dilution for accurate insulin-syringe measurements.
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 3.33 mg/mL concentration.
- Typical dose range: 300–500 mcg once daily during dosing weeks.
- Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and intermittent pulse dosing
Standard / Intermittent Pulse Approach (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
| Week/Phase | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Days 1–7) | 300 mcg | 9 units (0.09 mL) |
| Week 2 (Days 8–14) | Off | No injection |
| Week 3 (Days 15–21) | 400 mcg | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Week 4 (Days 22–28) | Off | No injection |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously during dosing weeks. Senolytics like FOXO4-DRI are most effective with intermittent “hit-and-run” dosing rather than continuous administration[2][5]. For ≤10-unit (≤0.10 mL) administrations, consider 30- or 50-unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming or harsh agitation.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label with date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F), protected from light.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on a 2–4 week intermittent protocol (1 week on, 1 week off cycles).
-
Peptide Vials (FOXO4-DRI, 10 mg each):
- 1 cycle (7 doses at 400 mcg) ≈ 2.8 mg → 1 vial
- 2 cycles (14 doses at 400 mcg) ≈ 5.6 mg → 1 vial
- 3 cycles (21 doses at 500 mcg) ≈ 10.5 mg → 2 vials
-
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- Per dosing week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- 1 cycle (2 weeks): 7 syringes
- 2 cycles (4 weeks): 14 syringes
- 3 cycles (6 weeks): 21 syringes
-
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use 3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- 1–2 cycles (1 vial): 3 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- 3 cycles (2 vials): 6 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
-
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per dosing week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- 1 cycle: 14 swabs
- 2 cycles: 28 swabs
- 3 cycles: 42 swabs → recommend 1 × 100-count box
Protocol Overview
Concise summary of the intermittent senolytic regimen.
- Goal: Selectively eliminate senescent cells to support tissue rejuvenation and restore healthy cellular function[1][3].
- Schedule: 1 week on, 1 week off cycles; 1–3 cycles total (2–6 weeks).
- Dose Range: 300–500 mcg daily during dosing weeks.
- Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 10 mg vial (3.33 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Dosing Protocol
Suggested intermittent pulse dosing approach.
- Start: 300 mcg daily during first dosing week.
- Target: 400–500 mcg daily for subsequent cycles if well-tolerated.
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous) during dosing weeks only.
- Cycle Structure: 7 days on → 7 days off; repeat 1–3 times.
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide quality and integrity.
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or below; −80 °C ideal for long-term storage[6].
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F); use within 28 days with bacteriostatic water[7].
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
- Protect from light; keep stopper secure to prevent moisture exposure.
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to prevent local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose, site rotation, and any observations to maintain consistency.
- Discard reconstituted solution after 28 days regardless of remaining volume[7].
How This Works
FOXO4-DRI is a cell-penetrating peptide antagonist that targets the FOXO4-p53 interaction in senescent cells[1]. In senescent cells, FOXO4 abnormally accumulates in the nucleus and binds to p53, preventing apoptosis[2]. FOXO4-DRI is engineered with D-amino acids (D-retro-inverso configuration) to resist degradation while mimicking the FOXO4 binding region[8]. By displacing native FOXO4 from p53, the peptide frees p53 to relocalize to mitochondria and initiate apoptosis specifically in senescent cells, while sparing healthy cells that lack the high nuclear FOXO4-p53 complexes[1][9]. This selective senolytic action can reduce chronic inflammation from SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype) factors and restore tissue homeostasis[3].
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from preclinical animal and cell culture studies.
- Supports selective clearance of senescent cells while sparing healthy, proliferating cells[9][10].
- Preclinical studies showed improved physical fitness, fur density, and organ function in aged mice[3].
- Research demonstrated restored testosterone levels in aged male mice by clearing senescent Leydig cells[4].
- Reduced fibrotic tissue damage in pulmonary fibrosis models[11].
- Animal studies reported no overt adverse effects; body and organ weights remained unchanged[4].
- Mild injection-site reactions (redness) may occur with subcutaneous administration.
- Note: No human clinical trials have been completed as of 2025; all data are preclinical[2].
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies for optimal outcomes.
- Maintain a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to support cellular health and recovery.
- Engage in regular physical activity to reinforce metabolic and functional adaptations.
- Prioritize quality sleep and stress management to support tissue repair processes.
- Allow adequate rest during off-weeks for senescent cell clearance and tissue remodeling.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources[12].
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry completely.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue[12].
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
- Keep subsequent injections at least 1 inch apart from previous sites in the same region.
Recommended Source
We recommend Pure Lab Peptides for high-purity FOXO4-DRI (10 mg).
Why Pure Lab Peptides?
- High-purity (≥98%), third-party-tested lots with batch COAs.
- Consistent, ISO-aligned handling and documentation.
- Reliable fulfillment to maintain cold-chain integrity.
Important Note
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
-
Nature Communications (2025)
— The disordered p53 transactivation domain is the target of FOXO4 and the senolytic compound FOXO4-DRI -
Aging (Albany NY) (2020)
— FOXO4-DRI alleviates age-related testosterone secretion insufficiency by targeting senescent Leydig cells in aged mice -
Cell (2017)
— Targeted Apoptosis of Senescent Cells Restores Tissue Homeostasis in Response to Chemotoxicity and Aging -
Aging (Albany NY) (2020)
— FOXO4-DRI clears senescent Leydig cells, restoring testosterone in aged mice without adverse effects -
ScienceDirect
— Senotherapy for chronic lung disease: intermittent senolytic dosing strategies -
JPT Peptide Technologies
— How to Store Peptides: Best Practices for Researchers -
CDC
— Preventing Unsafe Injection Practices: Multi-dose vial 28-day rule -
Sigma-Aldrich (Merck)
— Peptide Handling Guide: Storage and stability of synthetic peptides -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2021)
— Senolytic Peptide FOXO4-DRI Selectively Removes Senescent Cells From in vitro Expanded Human Chondrocytes -
Bachem
— Handling and Storage Guidelines for Peptides -
PubMed / J Cell Mol Med (2022)
— FOXO4 peptide targets myofibroblast ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice -
MedlinePlus (U.S. NLM)
— Subcutaneous (SQ) injections: Patient Instructions -
Pure Lab Peptides
— FOXO4-DRI (10 mg) product page (quality and batch documentation)