SS-31
Also known as: Elamipretide, MTP-131
Also known as Elamipretide, this mitochondrial-targeted peptide concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane to restore cellular energy production. Has cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties.
Research Status
Moderate Clinical Data
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Mild erythema, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site. Usually resolves within 24 hours. Minimize by rotating injection sites, allowing solution to reach room temperature, and using proper injection technique.
Mild headache reported in some clinical trial participants. Typically transient and resolves without intervention. Ensure adequate hydration.
Mild nausea reported rarely in clinical trials. Usually self-resolving. Take with food if tolerated.
Mild fatigue or tiredness reported in some users. May improve with continued use as mitochondrial function normalizes. Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition.
Rare reports of mild dizziness. Sit or lie down if this occurs. Ensure adequate hydration and blood pressure monitoring.
Localized fat loss or thickening at repeated injection sites. Prevent by rotating injection sites systematically with each dose. Space injections at least 1 inch apart.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 0.25-5 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily |
| Timing | Any time of day |
| Route | Topical |
Subcutaneous injection. Currently in clinical trials for mitochondrial diseases, heart failure, and Barth syndrome. Start at lower end (0.25 mg) and titrate based on response and tolerability. For research purposes only.
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 887.04 Da |
| Half-life | Approximately 1-2 hours in plasma; tissue half-life longer due to mitochondrial accumulation |
| Sequence | D-Arg-2,6-dimethyltyrosine-Lys-Phe-Pro |
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondrial-targeted peptide that crosses the blood-brain barrier and concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds to cardiolipin and restores electron transport chain function. By stabilizing the cardiolipin-cytochrome c complex, it reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and enhances ATP synthesis, thereby restoring cellular energy metabolism. This mechanism provides cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects in conditions characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Cardiolipin Stabilization
SS-31 binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing the interaction between cardiolipin and cytochrome c, which improves electron transport chain efficiency and reduces ROS generation.
ATP Synthesis Enhancement
By optimizing mitochondrial function, SS-31 increases ATP production, restoring cellular energy availability and reducing metabolic stress in tissues with high energy demands (heart, brain, muscle).
Oxidative Stress Reduction
Improved electron transport chain function decreases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing oxidative damage to cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Apoptosis Prevention
By restoring mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing ROS, SS-31 inhibits the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, protecting cells from programmed cell death during ischemic or metabolic stress.
- SS-31 is a cell-penetrating peptide that crosses the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in mitochondria
- It specifically targets cardiolipin, a unique phospholipid found only in the inner mitochondrial membrane
- The peptide reduces ROS production by stabilizing the electron transport chain, not by acting as a direct antioxidant
- SS-31 has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and neurodegenerative diseases
- Clinical trials have shown improvement in cardiac function and exercise capacity in patients with mitochondrial disease and Barth syndrome
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