SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Mitochondrial-Targeted Peptide | Cardiolipin Protector
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What is SS-31 (Elamipretide)?
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a small, lab-made peptide engineered to target mitochondria — the energy-producing structures inside cells — by binding a lipid called cardiolipin. It's the active peptide behind an FDA-approved medication (FORZINITY) for a rare muscle condition called Barth syndrome, and researchers separately study its broader effects on cellular energy and oxidative stress in the literature. Research-grade material discussed here is intended for laboratory study only, not for human or animal use.
Key terms:
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic small molecule.
SS-31, also called elamipretide or Bendavia, is a lab-made peptide of four amino acids. Its aromatic, positively charged structure steers it to mitochondria, the cell's energy factories. Most antioxidants act broadly. SS-31 instead binds cardiolipin, a fat in the inner mitochondrial membrane, and shields it from oxidative damage. Researchers report improved cellular energy production as a result. That mechanism is why studies focus on age-related conditions, heart disease, and mitochondrial disorders.
Key research areas
- Directly protects mitochondria
- Improves cellular energy
- Reduces oxidative damage
- Enhances exercise capacity
Researched dosing
This table reflects the dose ranges used in published research and clinical protocols with SS-31, presented as research-methodology reference, not personal usage instructions.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| General mitochondrial studies | 5-10mg | Once daily | Subcutaneous |
| Athletic-performance studies | 10-20mg | Once daily pre-workout | Subcutaneous |
| Clinical study protocols | 40mg | Once daily | Subcutaneous or IV |
| Acute cardioprotection models | 0.25mg/kg/hr | Continuous infusion | Intravenous |
Commonly cycled 12 weeks on, 0+ weeks off.
How it works
At the cell level, SS-31 research looks at how the peptide binds cardiolipin inside mitochondria to help protect the electron-transport chain that produces cellular energy — the terms below just name that protective mechanism.
Selectively binds to cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing lipid peroxidation and optimizing electron transport chain function.
Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows how quickly a research dose of SS-31 is absorbed and cleared in the reported data — its short, sub-hour peak is part of why clinical dosing has used daily or continuous-infusion schedules.
- Peak
- 0.5 hr
- Half-life
- 4 hrs
- Cleared
- ~20 hrs
Stealth BioTherapeutics trials
Research applications
This section lists the research areas — mitochondrial function, cardiovascular protection, and cellular aging — that scientists have studied for SS-31, including the rare-disease indication behind its FDA-approved form; it's a summary of the literature, not medical claims about people.
Mitochondrial
Improves mitochondrial efficiency and cellular energy generation. Protects against reactive oxygen species at the source. Shows promise for various mitochondrial disorders.
Cardiovascular
Demonstrates powerful cardioprotective effects, reducing cardiac injury markers and improving mitochondrial function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Longevity
Potential benefits for age-related conditions through mitochondrial protection and improved cellular energy production.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- 10–40 mg, depending on the research application
- Frequency in studies
- Once daily, preferably morning
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- Energy improvements within days, exercise capacity 2-4 weeks, clinical benefits 4-12 weeks
- Storage
- Refrigerate after reconstitution, protect from light, use within 30 days
- Cycle length
- 4-12 weeks continuous use
- Break between cycles
- No mandatory break required - can be used continuously
Interactions
This list shows which other mitochondria- and longevity-focused peptides researchers study alongside SS-31, and why.
Reconstitution & storage
This is the standard laboratory method for turning freeze-dried SS-31 powder into a clear research solution — SS-31 is noted in the literature for dissolving readily compared to some other peptides.
- Clean vial top with alcohol pad
- Add appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water (typically 1-2mL per 10mg)
- Gently swirl to dissolve - SS-31 dissolves readily
- Solution should be clear and colorless
- Label with concentration and date
Lyophilized: 2-8°C, use within As per manufacturer
Reconstituted: 2-6°C, use within 30 days
Open the SS-31 reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the checks researchers use to confirm an SS-31 sample is pure and correctly formulated before it goes into a study — a quick reference against a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Pharmaceutical grade - SS-31 requires high purity due to clinical use - look for >98% purity
Clear solution - Should dissolve completely into clear, colorless solution
COA available - Certificate of analysis essential due to clinical applications
Light sensitive - Protect from light exposure - use amber vials if available
pH considerations - Solution pH should be near physiological (6.5-7.5)
Discoloration - Any yellow or brown color indicates degradation
What to expect
This timeline summarizes what the research and clinical literature reports at each study stage — research context for comparing studies, not a personal-results promise.
Subtle energy improvements, reduced fatigue
Better exercise endurance, faster recovery
Improved stamina, clearer thinking, better sleep quality
Significant improvements in exercise capacity
Sustained energy improvements, potential biomarker changes
Safety notes
This section covers handling cautions and regulatory notes for SS-31 in a laboratory setting — reference context from the clinical literature, not medical advice for people.
- Monitor for allergic reactions (very rare)
- May cause mild injection site reactions
- FDA accelerated approval of FORZINITY (elamipretide) in September 2025 for improving muscle strength in Barth syndrome patients
Regulatory status
- Approved by the FDA for at least one indication. That approval applies to regulated pharmaceutical products, not to research-grade material.
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
References
FDA accelerated approval of FORZINITY (elamipretide) in September 2025 - the first mitochondrial-targeting therapy approved. Indicated for improving muscle strength in Barth syndrome patients ≥30kg.
Showed significant improvements in 6-minute walk test and fatigue scores in patients with mitochondrial myopathies, with excellent safety profile and no serious adverse events.
Reduced cardiac injury markers and improved mitochondrial function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, suggesting powerful cardioprotective effects.