Senolytics are a class of drugs or compounds that target and selectively eliminate senescent cells in the body. Senescent cells are cells that have entered a state of irreversible growth arrest and are no longer able to divide or carry out their normal functions. While senescent cells are beneficial in some cases, such as in wound healing and embryonic development, they can also contribute to age-related diseases and tissue dysfunction.
As we age, senescent cells accumulate in various tissues and organs, where they secrete a variety of pro-inflammatory factors and other molecules that can damage nearby cells and tissues. This contributes to the development of many age-related diseases, such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease.