What Is SS-31?
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is classified as a mitochondrial peptide peptide. Mitochondrial protection. Selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it stabilizes cardiolipin for efficient electron transport chain function.
It is extensively evaluated in laboratory and clinical settings for its potential to drive energy, recovery, neuroprotection. Researchers target SS-31 for its ability to interact with specific cellular and molecular pathways, making it a compound of significant interest across multiple therapeutic domains.
Well-tolerated in multiple Phase 2/3 trials. Granted Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations by FDA.
How Does SS-31 Work?
Mitochondrial protection. Selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it stabilizes cardiolipin for efficient electron transport chain function.
At the molecular level, SS-31 operates through pathways characteristic of the Mitochondrial Peptide class. By interacting with target receptors and downstream signaling cascades, the compound initiates biological responses associated with energy, recovery, neuroprotection.
Expected Research Timeline
Weeks 2–4
Improved exercise capacity and recovery; reduced fatigue
Months 2–3
Cardioprotective adaptations; improved VO2 markers in clinical trials
Long-Term
Sustained mitochondrial protection; FDA Fast Track designation for cardiac indications
What Does the Research Say?
The following are key findings from peer-reviewed studies on SS-31, indexed on PubMed and equivalent databases:
[1]SS-31 (Elamipretide) clinical trials overview
Szeto (Br. J. Pharmacol.): Comprehensive review of elamipretide mechanism and clinical trial results in heart failure, mitochondrial myopathy, and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Evidence: moderate[2]Elamipretide stabilizes cardiolipin and cristae structure
Birk et al. (Pharmaceuticals): Detailed mechanism review showing elamipretide binds cardiolipin, stabilizes mitochondrial cristae, reduces ROS, and improves oxidative phosphorylation.
Evidence: preclinical[3]Elamipretide attenuates age-related cardiac protein modifications
Study demonstrating elamipretide can reverse age-associated post-translational heart protein modifications, restoring mitochondrial function in aged cardiac tissue.
Evidence: preclinical[4]Elamipretide improves mitochondrial dysfunction and memory impairment
SS-31 improves LPS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and memory impairment in mice via BDNF signaling regulation.
Evidence: preclinical[5]Elamipretide rescues muscle force and cardiac function in aging
Treatment improves ADP sensitivity in aged mitochondria by increasing ANT uptake, rescuing skeletal muscle force and cardiac systolic function.
Evidence: preclinicalSafety & Side Effects
Well-tolerated in multiple Phase 2/3 trials. Granted Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations by FDA.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Well-tolerated in Phase 2/3 trials | No serious adverse events reported | mild |
| Injection site reaction | ~5% of users | mild |
FDA Status: Not Approved for Human Therapeutic Use
SS-31 is not currently FDA-approved for human use. It is available for research purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.
How Is SS-31 Used?
Route
SubQ
Dose Range
4000–4000 mcg
Frequency
7x/wk
Cycle
4–4 wk
Timing: Morning
Notes: Clinical trial doses: 4-40mg SubQ daily. Higher doses for cardiac indications.
All dosing information reflects parameters reported in published research literature and is not intended as clinical guidance. Usage of any peptide should be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.
SS-31 vs. Related Compounds
Where to Source SS-31 for Research
Purchasing ultra-high purity, laboratory-grade peptides is critical for verifiable research. We only recommend vendors providing independent, third-party HPLC Certificates of Analysis (COA).
Disclosure: PeptiDex may earn a commission from purchases. This does not affect our recommendations. We exclusively feature vendors that pass our strict quality verification protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SS-31?
SS-31 is a mitochondrial peptide peptide. Mitochondrial protection. Selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it stabilizes cardiolipin for efficient electron transport chain function.
What are the primary research benefits of SS-31?
Published research identifies primary mechanisms targeting: Energy, recovery, neuroprotection. These findings come from 5+ peer-reviewed studies indexed in our database.
What is the half-life of SS-31?
In published pharmacokinetic data, SS-31 demonstrates a half-life of approximately 4 hours.
Is SS-31 FDA approved?
SS-31 is not currently FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. It is classified as a research compound and is studied under investigational protocols. Always consult a healthcare provider.
What are common side effects of SS-31?
Reported side effects in published literature include Well-tolerated in Phase 2/3 trials (No serious adverse events reported), Injection site reaction (~5% of users). Most are classified as mild in severity.
How is SS-31 administered?
In research settings, SS-31 is typically administered via SubQ. Clinical trial doses: 4-40mg SubQ daily. Higher doses for cardiac indications.
Sources
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) clinical trials overview. View on PubMed
- Elamipretide stabilizes cardiolipin and cristae structure. View on PubMed
- Elamipretide attenuates age-related cardiac protein modifications. View on PubMed
- Elamipretide improves mitochondrial dysfunction and memory impairment. View on PubMed
- Elamipretide rescues muscle force and cardiac function in aging. View on PubMed