Dasatinib
Dasatinib (senolytic; approved leukemia drug)
Also known as: Sprycel
An FDA-approved leukemia drug repurposed in research as a senolytic, most often combined with quercetin to clear senescent cells.
Overview
Dasatinib is a kinase inhibitor approved as Sprycel for certain leukemias. In longevity research it is repurposed as a senolytic, clearing senescent cells, and is studied in the 'D+Q' combination with quercetin for conditions linked to cellular aging such as diabetic kidney disease and lung fibrosis. Its longevity use is investigational and off-label, and it is a prescription drug with meaningful side effects, not a supplement.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits survival signaling in senescent cells, triggering their death, especially alongside quercetin.
Key studies & citations
- Animal2015
The Achilles' heel of senescent cells: from transcriptome to senolytic drugs
Dasatinib selectively cleared senescent cells and, combined with quercetin, improved function in aged and progeroid mice.
Aging Cell - Animal2018
Senolytics improve physical function and increase lifespan in old age
Intermittent D+Q in old mice improved physical function and extended remaining lifespan by about 36%.
Nature Medicine - Human2019
Senolytics decrease senescent cells in humans: preliminary report from a clinical trial of dasatinib plus quercetin in individuals with diabetic kidney disease
First human evidence that D+Q reduces senescent-cell burden and SASP factors within days.
EBioMedicine - Human2019
Senolytics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: results from a first-in-human, open-label, pilot study
Open-label pilot in 14 IPF patients: improved physical function measures; adverse events mostly mild to moderate.
EBioMedicine
Frequently asked questions
Is dasatinib safe to take for anti-aging?
It is a potent prescription cancer drug with real side effects. Its senolytic use is experimental and, in trials, given intermittently under medical supervision, not as a casual supplement.