FOXO4-DRI (10mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
D-retro-inverso FOXO4 senolytic peptide (Proxofim) studied to clear senescent cells — preclinical (mouse) only, not approved.
Pre-filled with this protocol’s recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers. Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Full reconstitution guide → · Advanced calculator →Mix & measure FOXO4-DRI · 10 mg
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~3.33 mg/mL)
Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration ~3.33 mg/mL (3,333 mcg/mL).
Typical daily range: 250–500 mcg once daily, raised gradually over a 16-week course.
Easy measuring: At ~3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 syringe (units = mcg ÷ 33.3). The 3.0 mL dilution keeps injection volumes small and the unit marks easy to read.
Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
Why FOXO4-DRI draws research interest
These are the directions researchers and the peptide community most often explore FOXO4-DRI for — so you know you’re in the right place. They describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Longevity & senescence
The main reason people seek FOXO4-DRI: studied as a senolytic to clear senescent 'zombie' cells in aged mice — preclinical only, not approved.
Tissue & organ function
Investigated in mouse models where clearing senescent cells was linked to markers of fur density, fitness and renal function — animal-only data.
Chemotherapy-related cell aging
Explored in preclinical research on doxorubicin-induced senescence, examining FOXO4-DRI's effect on treatment-related cellular aging in mice.
FOXO4–p53 mechanism
Researched as a D-retro-inverso peptide (Proxofim) that disrupts the FOXO4–p53 interaction to trigger apoptosis in senescent cells — investigational.
Evidence ranges from early laboratory work to clinical trials depending on the use — the sections below cover the actual data and sources.
Quickstart Highlights
FOXO4-DRI (also called Proxofim) is a synthetic D-retro-inverso peptide derived from the FOXO4 protein and studied as a senolytic — an agent that selectively triggers apoptosis in senescent cells by disrupting the nuclear FOXO4–p53 interaction[1][2]. Its evidence is preclinical only (notably a 2017 study in aged mice); it is not FDA- or EMA-approved and has no human dose-finding, efficacy, or safety data. This educational page outlines a once-daily subcutaneous approach with a dilution chosen so doses land on easy-to-read insulin-syringe marks — presented for research and educational use only.
Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → ~3.33 mg/mL (3,333 mcg/mL), a practical dilution for accurate dosing.
250–500 mcg once daily, titrated upward gradually across a 16-week course.
At ~3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 33.3 mcg; 250 mcg ≈ 7.5 units and 500 mcg = 15 units on a U-100 syringe.
Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the solution.
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
Frequency: one subcutaneous injection each day, titrating up as tolerated[7]. Note honestly that human-interest senolytic dosing is typically pulsed/intermittent (a few consecutive days per cycle), so this continuous once-daily-for-16-weeks schedule diverges from the typical senolytic paradigm. These figures are illustrative reference numbers, not approved human dosing.
Reconstitution Steps
Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
The 3.0 mL dilution gives a 3.33 mg/mL solution where 1 unit equals about 33.3 mcg, keeping the small daily doses easy to read on a U-100 syringe. Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course of once-daily injections with gradual titration.
Plan roughly one 10 mg vial per ~3 weeks of dosing across the titration.
- 8 weeks: ~3 vials
- 12 weeks: ~4 vials
- 16 weeks: ~5 vials
- Per injection: 1 syringe
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~56 syringes
- 16 weeks (once daily): ~112 syringes
Use ~3.0 mL per 10 mg vial for reconstitution.
- 8 weeks (3 vials): ~9 mL → 1 bottle
- 16 weeks (5 vials): ~15 mL → 2 bottles
One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per injection: 2 swabs
- 16 weeks (once daily): ~224 swabs → 2–3 boxes
Protocol Overview
A concise summary of the once-daily regimen, drawn from illustrative reference numbers rather than approved human dosing.
- ▪Goal: Selectively clear senescent cells by disrupting the nuclear FOXO4–p53 interaction so freed p53 triggers apoptosis — demonstrated in preclinical (mouse) work only, not established in humans[1][2]
- ▪Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections across a 16-week course with gradual dose escalation.
- ▪Dose Range: 250–500 mcg per day, titrated upward in stages.
- ▪Reconstitution: 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial gives ~3.33 mg/mL for accurate unit measurements.
- ▪Storage: Keep the dry vial frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); once mixed, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the solution.
Dosing Protocol
A suggested daily titration approach based on illustrative reference doses.
- ▪Start: 250 mcg once daily for the first 4 weeks to gauge tolerability.
- ▪Mid-Phase: 375 mcg once daily during Weeks 5–8.
- ▪Target: 500 mcg once daily from Weeks 9–16.
- ▪Frequency: Once per day, subcutaneous[7].
- ▪Cycle Length: 16 weeks as written here. Note that human-interest senolytic dosing is usually pulsed/intermittent (a few consecutive days per cycle), so this continuous schedule diverges from the typical senolytic paradigm.
- ▪Timing: Inject at a consistent time each day and rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
- ▪Lyophilized: Hold the dry vial at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions and limit moisture exposure[7].
- ▪Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days; do not freeze the mixed solution, as freezing can denature peptides[8].
- ▪Handling: Let frozen vials warm to room temperature before opening so condensation won’t form, and keep the solution clear of heat and direct light.
- ▪Freeze–thaw: Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of the reconstituted solution.
Important Notes
Practical points that keep daily administration safe and consistent.
- ▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward.
- ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen, thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Slow injection: Push the plunger slowly and pause a few seconds before withdrawing the needle to prevent backflow.
- ▪Recordkeeping: Log the daily dose, injection site and any observations to keep the protocol consistent.
- ▪Regulatory note: FOXO4-DRI is not FDA- or EMA-approved for human use; as an unapproved substance it falls under WADA’s S0 catch-all and is prohibited in sport[10].
How This Works
FOXO4-DRI (also known as Proxofim) is a synthetic D-retro-inverso peptide derived from the FOXO4 transcription factor. The D-amino-acid, reversed-sequence (DRI) design makes it highly resistant to protease degradation[2].
It acts as a senolytic. In senescent cells, FOXO4 holds p53 in the nucleus and keeps those cells alive. FOXO4-DRI competitively binds the p53 TAD2 domain, disrupting the FOXO4–p53 interaction. The freed p53 then drives apoptosis selectively in senescent cells, while largely sparing healthy cells[1][2].
The foundational evidence is a 2017 Cell study in aged and progeroid mice, where FOXO4-DRI reduced senescent-cell burden and restored markers such as fur density and renal function[3]. Subsequent preclinical reports describe senescent-cell clearance in additional tissue and disease models[4][5].
Important caveat: the evidence base is preclinical (mouse) only. There is no human dose-finding, efficacy, or safety data for FOXO4-DRI[6]. In addition, human-interest senolytic dosing is typically pulsed/intermittent (a few consecutive days per cycle), so the continuous once-daily-for-16-weeks schedule shown here diverges from the typical senolytic paradigm and should be read as illustrative, not validated.
FOXO4-DRI is not an approved medicine. It is an unapproved research chemical presented here for research and educational purposes only.
Lifestyle Factors
Habits that broadly support cellular health alongside any research protocol.
- ▪Nutrition: Favor a balanced, nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods.
- ▪Activity & rest: Combine regular resistance and cardiovascular exercise with genuine recovery time.
- ▪Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours, since sleep quality influences cellular senescence and repair pathways.
- ▪Stress & substances: Manage stress and limit alcohol and smoking, which can accelerate cellular aging.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
What the preclinical literature describes; human evidence does not exist, so these are hypotheses rather than expected outcomes.
Potential Benefits (preclinical)
- ▪Senescent-cell clearance: In aged/progeroid mice, FOXO4-DRI selectively cleared senescent cells via the FOXO4–p53 mechanism[1][3].
- ▪Restored function (mice): The 2017 Cell study reported restored fur density, renal function and fitness after dosing[3].
- ▪Broader models: Later preclinical reports describe senescent-cell apoptosis in additional tissue and disease models[4][5].
- ▪Note on humans: These benefits are not established in humans — no human dose-finding, efficacy, or safety studies of FOXO4-DRI have been completed[6].
Risks & Unknowns
- ▪No human safety data: The entire human safety profile is uncharacterized; tolerability and adverse effects in people are unknown.
- ▪Injection-site reactions: Mild redness, tenderness or soreness can occur with subcutaneous administration; rotating sites helps.
- ▪Schedule uncertainty: Senolytic dosing is normally pulsed/intermittent, so a continuous daily schedule has no validated safety basis.
- ▪Sport restriction: As an unapproved substance, FOXO4-DRI falls under WADA’s S0 catch-all and is prohibited for athletes.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[14][15].
Pre-Injection Preparation
- ▪Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- ▪Choose a site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully[15].
- ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
- ▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger.
- ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[14].
- ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn’t needed[14].
- ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it’s fully down.
- ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
- ▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle.
- ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away.
- ▪Rotate the injection site each day to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides.
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
- ▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA.
- ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition.
- ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch.
- ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain.
- ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
References
- 1
Cell (2017)Targeted apoptosis of senescent cells restores tissue homeostasis in response to chemotoxicity and aging — the original FOXO4-DRI / FOXO4–p53 study.
- 2
FOXO4-DRI design (DRI peptide)D-retro-inverso configuration confers protease resistance; competitive binding at the p53 TAD2 domain disrupts the FOXO4–p53 interaction.
- 3
Cell (2017) — in vivo resultsIn aged and progeroid mice, FOXO4-DRI reduced senescent-cell burden and restored fur density, renal function and fitness.
- 4
Journal of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFOXO4 peptide targets myofibroblasts and ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice (preclinical senolytic model).
- 5
Aging (Albany NY)FOXO4-DRI alleviates age-related testosterone insufficiency by targeting senescent Leydig cells in aged mice (preclinical).
- 6
Evidence status — no human dataFOXO4-DRI is not FDA- or EMA-approved; no human dose-finding, efficacy, or safety trials have been completed.
- 7
NCBI BookshelfBest practices for subcutaneous injection: aseptic technique, site rotation and administration.
- 8
Bachem — Care and Handling of PeptidesStorage, reconstitution and stability guidance for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
- 9
American Diabetes AssociationInjection-site rotation and lipohypertrophy prevention for subcutaneous injections.
- 10
WADA Prohibited ListUnapproved substances (no current regulatory approval for human use) are prohibited at all times under the S0 catch-all category.
- 11
Senolytics — dosing paradigmReviews note that human-interest senolytic regimens are typically pulsed/intermittent (a few consecutive days per cycle) rather than continuous.
- 12
Proxofim / FOXO4-DRI backgroundBackground on the FOXO4-DRI peptide (Proxofim) as an investigational senolytic candidate.
- 13
PMC — subcutaneous route reviewSubcutaneous drug injection review: pharmacologic considerations of the subcutaneous route.
- 14
CDC — subcutaneous injectionSubcutaneous injection technique: angle, site selection, and no-aspiration guidance.
- 15
FOXO4-DRI — frequently asked questions
How do I reconstitute a 10 mg vial of FOXO4-DRI?
Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab, then inject your bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Let it sit and gently swirl until dissolved — never shake. Store the mixed vial in the refrigerator and draw doses with an insulin syringe. Use the calculator above to turn any dose into syringe units.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to FOXO4-DRI?
There is no single correct amount — more water simply spreads the same 10 mg of peptide across a larger volume, which makes small doses easier to measure accurately. 1 to 3 mL per vial is typical. Enter your chosen volume in the calculator above to see the resulting concentration and syringe units.
What do the "units" on an insulin syringe mean?
On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equal 1 mL, so 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. The calculator above converts your draw volume into these units automatically so you can measure without doing the math by hand.
How should I store FOXO4-DRI after mixing?
Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at roughly 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, away from light, and avoid freezing it. Reconstituted research peptides are generally used within a few weeks. Always follow the specific guidance supplied with your product.
How many doses does a 10 mg vial of FOXO4-DRI provide?
Divide the vial strength of 10 mg by the amount you use per injection. The calculator above reports this as "doses per vial" the moment you enter a dose.
Is FOXO4-DRI approved for human use?
No. FOXO4-DRI is sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes and is not approved by the FDA or other regulators for human use. Everything on this page is research information, not medical advice — consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
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