Senolytics
A class of compounds studied for their ability to selectively clear senescent ("zombie") cells that accumulate with age and contribute to inflammation and tissue decline.
Senolytics target senescent cells: cells that have stopped dividing but do not die off, and instead linger while releasing inflammatory signals that can damage nearby tissue. As senescent cells accumulate with age, researchers believe they contribute to chronic inflammation and age-related disease.
Senolytic research is active but still early. Most human evidence comes from small trials, and senolytics are not an approved anti-aging treatment. The open research question is whether clearing these cells safely translates into measurable healthspan benefits in people, not just in lab models.