SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Also known as: SS-31, Elamipretide
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide studied for protecting mitochondrial function in conditions involving oxidative stress and energy failure. It has been investigated clinically for mitochondrial myopathy and heart and kidney disease.
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Mechanism of Action
SS-31 is a cell-permeable aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds the phospholipid cardiolipin. By stabilizing cardiolipin and its interaction with cytochrome c and respiratory-chain supercomplexes, SS-31 improves electron-transport efficiency, increases ATP production, and reduces electron leak and reactive oxygen species generation. This preservation of cristae structure and mitochondrial bioenergetics underlies its studied protective effects in tissues with high energy demand such as heart, skeletal muscle, kidney, and retina.
- Half-life
- Approximately 2-3 hours in humans for the parent compound
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous, intravenous
- Research Status
- Preclinical
Reported Benefits
- Stabilizes cardiolipin and improves mitochondrial bioenergetics
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production
- Studied for mitochondrial myopathy and exercise capacity
- Investigated for protection of heart and kidney tissue under stress
- May support recovery in age-related mitochondrial decline
- Preserves cristae architecture and ATP output
Potential Side Effects
- Injection-site reactions are commonly reported in trials
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Limited long-term human safety data
Common Dosing
Research-use only and not medical advice; clinical trials of elamipretide have used roughly 40 mg subcutaneously once daily, with intravenous protocols in some acute settings. These are research figures, not personal guidance.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known peptide hypersensitivity
- Use outside controlled research without medical oversight
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region that acts as a regulator of metabolism. It is studied for improving insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, and exercise capacity.
NAD+
NAD+ is an essential coenzyme central to cellular energy production and DNA repair whose levels decline with age. It is studied and supplemented for longevity, mitochondrial function, and metabolic health. Note: NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide, commonly sold alongside longevity research compounds.
Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for its cytoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic effects. The HNG (Humanin-G) analog is a more potent variant frequently used in research.
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Efficacy and Safety of Elamipretide in Individuals With Primary Mitochondrial Myopathy: The MMPOWER-3 Randomized Clinical Trial
2023
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A randomized crossover trial of elamipretide in adults with primary mitochondrial myopathy
2020
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Long-term efficacy and safety of elamipretide in patients with Barth syndrome: 168-week open-label extension results of TAZPOWER
2024
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In vivo mitochondrial ATP production is improved in older adult skeletal muscle after a single dose of elamipretide in a randomized trial
2021