A library of heterocyclic compounds has been screened to identify particular compounds that have high inhibitory capacity for the Bcl family of regulatory proteins. Compounds identified as Bcl antagonists have been further screened to select pharmaceutical agents with both high potency and high specificity for eliminating senescent cells in comparison with replicative or quiescent cells of the same tissue type. Particular structures are identified in this disclosure that eliminate senescent cells with an EC50 in the nanomole range and a specificity around or above 100-fold. In accordance with this invention, heterocyclic compounds provided in this disclosure can be formulated for the treatment of a range of age-related conditions caused or mediated by senescent cells. Such conditions are exemplified by ophthalmic conditions, pulmonary conditions, and osteoarthritis.
