Comparison
Enfuvirtid vs. FOXO4-DRI
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
159519-65-0
2074706-72-8
Molecular weight
4491.88 g/mol
3735 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.5 h
Sequence
no data
D-Retro-Inverso-Variante eines FOXO4-Peptid-Fragments (LTLRKEPASEIAQSILEAYSQNGWANRRSGGKR — D-Aminosäuren in umgekehrter Sequenz)Mechanism of action
Enfuvirtid
Enfuvirtide binds the first heptad-repeat region (HR1) of the gp41 subunit of the HIV envelope protein. This prevents the conformational change required for fusion of the viral and cell membranes — the virus cannot enter the cell.
FOXO4-DRI
FOXO4-DRI is the D-retro-inverso variant of a peptide fragment of the FOXO4 transcription factor. In senescent cells, FOXO4 is bound to p53, which suppresses p53-mediated apoptosis — the cells survive in a secreting 'zombie-like' state (senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP). The DRI peptide disrupts this FOXO4-p53 binding, freeing p53, and the senescent cell initiates apoptosis. Healthy cells are largely unaffected because p53 is not held back by FOXO4 in them. This selectivity was the central finding of the original 2017 publication.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Animal model
Studies
1
3
of which in humans
1
0
Effects recorded
2
3
Open conflicts
0
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Enfuvirtid and FOXO4-DRI?
- Enfuvirtid is classified as "Research other", while FOXO4-DRI is classified as "Research other". Enfuvirtid: Enfuvirtide is a synthetic 36-amino-acid peptide and the first HIV-1 fusion inhibitor. It binds the HR1 region of the viral envelope protein gp41, blocking viral entry into the cell. Approved for treatment-experienced HIV patients. FOXO4-DRI: Synthetic peptide with D-Retro-Inverso structure (all amino acids as D-form, sequence reversed), developed in 2017 as an experimental senolytic candidate. Goal: selective apoptosis of senescent cells via disruption of the FOXO4-p53 interaction. So far evaluated exclusively preclinically. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Enfuvirtid or FOXO4-DRI?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Enfuvirtid and "Animal model" for FOXO4-DRI. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Enfuvirtid and FOXO4-DRI in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Enfuvirtid — Prescription, FOXO4-DRI — Research only. United States: Enfuvirtid — Prescription, FOXO4-DRI — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.