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SS-31

Mitochondrial Protective Peptide

Also known as: Elamipretide · Bendavia · MTP-131

A cardiolipin-targeting tetrapeptide that protects the inner mitochondrial membrane, reduces oxidative stress, & improves mitochondrial efficiency in aging & disease.

Typical Dose

5–20 mg/day SubQ

Route

Subcutaneous injection

Cycle

4–12 weeks

Half-life

~2 hours

Storage

Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days.

Overview

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) from the Szeto-Schiller peptide class. It selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds to cardiolipin — a phospholipid essential for maintaining the structure & function of the electron transport chain.

Cardiolipin integrity is reduced in aging & many disease states, impairing mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP production, & ROS management. SS-31 restores cardiolipin structure, reduces mitochondrial ROS generation, stabilizes cytochrome c, & improves ATP synthesis efficiency. Unlike antioxidants that scavenge ROS after production, SS-31 reduces ROS generation at the source.

Human clinical trials have been conducted for heart failure (HFPEF), ischemia-reperfusion injury, Barth syndrome (hereditary cardiolipin disorder), & aging-related mitochondrial decline. SS-31 is one of the best-characterized mitochondrial-targeting peptides in clinical development.

Quick Start Guide

1

Reconstitute with 1 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial.

2

Inject 0.1–0.25 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily (typical: 5–20 mg for most adults).

Research Indications

Mitochondrial protection (aging & disease)

Most Effective

Selectively targets cardiolipin on inner mitochondrial membrane. Restores ATP production efficiency & reduces mitochondrial ROS in aged tissue.

Heart failure (HFpEF)

Effective

Human Phase II HFPEF trial showed improved mitochondrial respiration in cardiac tissue biopsies.

Skeletal muscle function & exercise capacity

Effective

Improves oxidative phosphorylation efficiency in skeletal muscle. Phase II trial in aging showed improved walking speed & muscle performance.

Renal protection (ischemia)

Effective

Multiple human trials for renal ischemia-reperfusion injury showing reduced acute kidney injury.

Research Protocols

Aging / mitochondrial health

4–12 weeks

Dose

5–20 mg

Frequency

Once daily SubQ

Route

SubQ abdomen

Clinical (cardiac / renal)

Per trial protocol

Dose

0.1–0.25 mg/kg IV or SubQ

Frequency

Once daily

Route

SubQ or IV

Peptide Interactions

MOTS-cSynergistic

Complementary mitochondrial targets: SS-31 addresses cardiolipin/ROS; MOTS-c addresses AMPK pathway & metabolic efficiency. Both improve mitochondrial function through different mechanisms.

HumaninCompatible

All three are mitochondrial-derived or mitochondrially-targeted peptides. Sometimes used together in longevity protocols.

Side Effects & Safety

Common

  • Injection site redness (mild; cationic peptide)
  • Transient burning at injection site

Uncommon

  • Headache
  • Nausea

When to Stop

  • Signs of allergic reaction

How to Reconstitute

1

Wipe stopper.

2

Add 1 mL BAC water per 10 mg vial.

3

Swirl gently. Refrigerate.

Dosing math: 1 mL BAC water per 10 mg = 10000 mcg/mL. For 10 mg dose: 1.0 mL.

Quality Indicators

Good — use as normal

  • Clear, colorless solution

Acceptable

  • Very faint tint

Discard immediately

  • Cloudiness
  • Particulate
  • Discoloration

What to Expect

Week 1–2

Mitochondrial function improvements begin. Some users report increased energy & reduced exercise fatigue within the first 1–2 weeks.

Week 3–8

Improved exercise capacity & recovery. In HFpEF patients, clinical trials showed measurable improvement in cardiac functional output.

Community Insights

Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.

Research References

Elamipretide (SS-31) treatment attenuates age-associated post-translational modification of myosin heavy chain

GeroScience · 2020

SS-31 treatment in aged mice restores skeletal muscle mitochondrial function & structural protein quality.

A Phase 2 Trial of Elamipretide for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

JACC: Heart Failure · 2020

Human Phase II showing improved cardiac energetics in HFpEF patients treated with elamipretide.

Verify what you have

Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-TOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.

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