SS-31
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a cellular rescue tetrapeptide designed to halt horrific mitochondrial collapse during aging or acute ischemic injury. Unlike conventional antioxidants that indiscriminately scavenge free radicals, SS-31 acts as structural scaffolding inside the mitochondria. It is utilized in advanced anti-aging stacks to completely reverse age-related declines in ATP (energy) production, restore muscular endurance, and prevent catastrophic tissue damage following heart attacks or organ ischemia.
Quick Stats
Scientific Data
Mechanism of Action
SS-31 (Elamipretide, Bendavia) is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively binds to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin is essential for electron transport chain function — when it becomes oxidized with age, mitochondrial efficiency declines. SS-31 prevents cardiolipin peroxidation, restoring mitochondrial bioenergetics.
SS-31 is unique among peptides in that it concentrates 1000-5000× in mitochondria versus the extracellular space. It is in clinical trials for Barth syndrome, age-related macular degeneration, and primary mitochondrial myopathy.
Source: PMID: 26857943
Background & History
SS-31 (Elamipretide, MTP-131) is a tetrapeptide targeting cardiolipin — a phospholipid exclusively located in the inner mitochondrial membrane critical for electron transport chain function. Developed by Hazel Szeto at Weill Cornell Medical College in the 2000s, SS-31 penetrates the inner mitochondrial membrane (unique for a water-soluble peptide) and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. Clinical trials have evaluated it in heart failure (BENEFIT-HF), kidney disease, and Barth syndrome. It is the most clinically advanced mitochondria-targeted therapeutic peptide.
Research Use Cases
- ✓Heart failure and cardiac function improvement
- ✓Acute kidney injury protection and recovery
- ✓Reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress in aging tissues
- ✓Skeletal muscle energetics in mitochondrial myopathies
- ✓Ischemia-reperfusion injury protection (surgery, stroke, heart attack)
Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 20-40 mg/day (clinical trials) |
| Frequency | 1× daily |
| Half-Life | ~4 hours |
| Common Vial Sizes | 5 mg |
Dosing Protocols
Research Protocol
Administration
Expected Timeline
Who Is It For?
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
HighDirectly targets inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin. In clinical trials for primary mitochondrial diseases.
Longevity / Anti-Aging
ModerateRestores age-associated mitochondrial bioenergetic decline.
Reconstitution Example
Safety & Considerations
Investigational drug in active clinical trials. Not FDA-approved. Generally well-tolerated. Injection site reactions are the most common adverse event.
Regulatory & Legal Status
Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change — verify before competition.
Research Chemical
US Compounding: Not eligible / not available
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.
Interactions & Contraindications
No significant drug interactions identified in clinical trials to date. SubQ injection required — oral bioavailability negligible. Investigational — not approved for clinical use outside of trials.
Synergies & Common Stacks
Complementary mitochondrial protection: SS-31 protects the inner membrane and electron transport chain; MOTS-c activates AMPK metabolic signaling. Together address both structural and functional mitochondrial health.
NAD+ supports NADH/NAD+ cycling; SS-31 protects the complexes that use NADH. Additive protection of the electron transport chain.
Dosing Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SS-31 used for?▼
How does SS-31 differ from MOTS-c?▼
References
- Szeto HH “"Elamipretide (SS-31) improves mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle function".” Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes (2013). PMID: 24337793
📚 Related Articles
Get SS-31 from our recommended source — independently tested, COA-verified, USP <85> endotoxin compliant. Use code 4SS6SFTUGB at checkout.
Affiliate link · Full review