SS-31
Elamipretide · Bendavia · MTP-131 · Forzinity
Elamipretide. Forzinity is FDA accelerated-approved (Sep 2025) for Barth syndrome ≥30 kg - that product is not a 5 mg research cake. Cardiolipin-targeted tetrapeptide. Mixed cardiomyopathy trial history. Not a general anti-aging serum.
Use-case scores
0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.
- Longevity / aging4/10
Forzinity is FDA accelerated-approved (Sep 2025) for Barth syndrome ≥30 kg. That is a rare-disease label, not an anti-aging NDA. Gray-market SS-31 is not Forzinity. Haircut to 4.
- Injury & tissue3.5/10
Ischemia and cardiomyopathy trial history is mixed. BENEFIT-class heart-failure programs are not a gym recovery protocol.
Compound card
- Sequence
- D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2
- Class
- Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (elamipretide; Forzinity is the labeled Barth product)
- Formula
- C32H52N10O8
- Status
- FDA-approved
How it works
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
- ✓Identity: Forzinity Barth label vs a research cake
- ✓Cardiolipin targeting, not a general anti-aging serum
- ✓Why mixed cardiomyopathy programs matter
Dosing
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Protocol | 0.1 - 0.25 mg/kg | Daily or 5x weekly (SC) | Concentrates 1000-5000x in mitochondria. Clinical trials ongoing for Barth syndrome and AMD. |
Administration
Timeline
Who it is 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
| Vial | Water | Concentration | Example dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg lyophilized | 2 mL BAC | 2.5 mg/mL | 5 mg / 2 mL = 2.5 mg/mL. Trial doses were tens of mg/day. Community 5 mg cakes are not Forzinity. |
Change vial size or water volume? Open the reconstitution calculator.
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
Accelerated approval Sep 2025 as Forzinity™ (elamipretide) for Barth syndrome ≥30 kg. Research vials and stacks are not that product
Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change - verify before competition.
Prescription Drug
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.
Limits of current evidence
- Do not paste Forzinity Barth dosing onto a research vial.
- Failed or mixed cardiomyopathy programs are part of the file. Cherry-picking open-label Barth data is dishonest.
- This site will not treat heart failure, kidney injury, or aging from this page.
Human evidence
Moderate · Barth-syndrome label story; gray cake ≠ Forzinity
- Elamipretide reached rare-disease labeling for Barth syndrome (Forzinity) — that is not an anti-aging NDA.
- A 5 mg research cake is not Forzinity trial or labeled supply.
- Cardiomyopathy and related programs are mixed; do not cherry-pick open-label Barth data as a gym protocol.
Verdict
SS-31 is elamipretide. Forzinity is the Barth-syndrome product. A 5 mg research cake is not that label and not a general mitochondrial youth serum. Cardiolipin targeting is the mechanism, not a lifespan claim.
Interactions & Contraindications
Forzinity is the Barth product. Gray-market SS-31 is not that label. SubQ research cakes are not an oral vitamin. Do not treat heart failure from this page.
Synergies & Common Stacks
Cardiolipin tetrapeptide vs AMPK mtDNA ORF. Complementary mitochondrial marketing is not a combination trial.
NAD+ supports NADH/NAD+ cycling; SS-31 protects the complexes that use NADH. Additive protection of the electron transport chain.
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
- Szeto HH. “SS-31 peptide enables mitochondrial targeting drug delivery.” AAPS J (2006). PMID: 17233531
- Siegel MP, et al. “Mitochondria-targeted peptide SS-31 reverses mitochondrial dysfunction and reduces oxidative stress.” Aging Cell (2013). PMID: 23834033
📚 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