SSK1 is a senolytic prodrug, which was designed from gemcitabine, by chem. modifying gemcitabin to incorporate a site cleavable by SA-β-gal following delivery of the prodrug in vivo, to release the active parent drug gemcitabine. SSK1 can be used to reduce one or more symptoms associated with a Senescence-associated disease or disorder in a subject. SSK1 is specifically activated by β-gal and eliminates mouse and human senescent cells independently of senescence inducers and cell types. In aged mice, SSK1 effectively cleared senescent cells in different tissues, decreased the senescence- and age-associated gene signatures, attenuated low-grade local and systemic inflammation, and restored physical function.
