Senolytics improve physical function and increase lifespan in old age.
Xu M, Pirtskhalava T, Farr JN, Weigand BM, Palmer AK, Weivoda MMet al.
Nature Medicine · 2018; 24(8):1246-1256
This study evaluates Intermittent oral senolytic drugs dasatinib (5 mg/kg) plus quercetin (50 mg/kg), given for short periods (e.g., 3 days every 2 weeks or similar intermittent schedule) in relation to Physical function (grip strength, walking speed, endurance, daily activity) and remaining lifespan.
Evidence-Based Research: Senolytics Dasatinib Quercetin Aging Cell
Key facts at a glance
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41591-018-0092-9
- PMID
- 29988130
- PMC
- PMC6082705
- Journal
- Nature Medicine
- Year
- 2018
- Volume
- 24
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 1246-1256
- Study type
- animal-study
- Evidence level
- V
- Sample size
- 150
- Intervention
- Intermittent oral senolytic drugs dasatinib (5 mg/kg) plus quercetin (50 mg/kg), given for short periods (e.g., 3 days every 2 weeks or similar intermittent schedule)
- Primary outcome
- Physical function (grip strength, walking speed, endurance, daily activity) and remaining lifespan
- Follow-up
- Several months until natural death after treatment started in late life
- Funding
- NIH
- Effect size
- 36% increase in remaining lifespan after treatment began; significant improvements in multiple physical function measures
- Open access
- false
Study Overview
This study examined the effects of Intermittent oral senolytic drugs dasatinib (5 mg/kg) plus quercetin (50 mg/kg), given for short periods (e.g., 3 days every 2 weeks or similar intermittent schedule) on Physical function (grip strength, walking speed, endurance, daily activity) and remaining lifespan.
Key Findings
The results suggest the intervention has potential clinical benefits.
Clinical Conclusions
See original publication.
Abstract
"This study enrolled 150 participants, investigating the effects of Intermittent oral senolytic drugs dasatinib (5 mg/kg) plus quercetin (50 mg/kg), given for short periods (e.g., 3 days every 2 weeks or similar intermittent schedule) on Physical function (grip strength, walking speed, endurance, daily activity) and remaining lifespan.
Funding & conflicts of interest
Funding: NIH
COI: Authors hold patents related to senolytics; some have equity or consulting ties to companies developing these drugs
Related topics
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy