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longevity

SS-31

Also known as: Elamipretide, Bendavia, MTP-131
FDA: Not FDA-approved WADA: Not listed

SS-31 is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that concentrates >1000-fold in mitochondria within minutes of administration due to its alternating aromatic-cationic motif. It selectively binds cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane that is essential for electron transport chain (ETC) organization and ATP production. Originally developed at Cornell (Szeto-Schiller peptide #31, hence "SS-31"), it advanced to Phase 3 clinical trials under the name elamipretide (Stealth BioTherapeutics, now Larimar Therapeutics) for Barth syndrome, heart failure, and primary mitochondrial myopathy. Despite FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for Barth syndrome, Phase 3 trials produced mixed results, and the compound remains unapproved. In the

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 639.83 Da
Half-life ~4 hours estimated
CAS number —
Route Subcutaneous · Intravenous subcutaneous preferred
02

Mechanism

Targets cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane — stabilizes electron transport chain, reduces oxidative stress, restores mitochondrial cristae structure and bioenergetics

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 500–2000 mcg
FREQUENCY 1x daily
CYCLE LENGTH 4-8 weeks

Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or 0.25 mg/kg/day SC. Compounded protocols typically 500-2000 mcg SC daily. Administer in the morning for mitochondrial support during active hours.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Mitochondrial Calcium Dysregulation and Targeted Therapies in Heart Failure Review 2026 Heart failure characterized by mitochondrial calcium dysregulation
Elamipretide + H151 preserves alveolar-capillary architecture in experimental acute lung injury Preclinical (animal model) 2026 Elamipretide (ELM) improved redox status and reduced mitochondrial leak in LPS-induced ALI
Drug Repurposing in Alzheimer's Disease: Emerging Therapeutic Strategies and Promising Candidates Review 2026 Elamipretide identified as drug repurposing candidate for Alzheimer's disease
Mitochondria-Targeted Liposomes Boost Thermogenesis for Adipose Tissue Regulation Preclinical (mice + porcine model) 2026 Developed SS-31-conjugated cationic liposomes (AE@PEP-Lip) for adipose mitochondrial targeting
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Stacking & interactions

Mitochondrial health stack — SS-31 targets inner membrane/cardiolipin, MOTS-c activates AMPK

Sirtuin/NAD+ axis support alongside ETC stabilization

Telomere/longevity stack

Cellular repair (ECM) + mitochondrial repair

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Sourcing

Current prices

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Also vetted at
What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • CRP
  • Fasting Glucose
DURING CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CRP
POST-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved. FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for Barth syndrome (2017, since revoked after Phase 3 failure). Phase 3 trials ongoing (Stealth BioTherapeutics / Larimar Therapeutics).
WADA STATUS Not listed

Regulatory status for SS-31 may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

References

  1. Liu M, Jin Y. Mitochondrial Calcium Dysregulation and Targeted Therapies in Heart Failure. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine (2026). PMID: 41923743
  2. Multiple authors. Elamipretide + H151 preserves alveolar-capillary architecture in experimental acute lung injury. Tissue and Cell (2026). PMID: 41934921
  3. More PS et al.. Drug Repurposing in Alzheimer's Disease: Emerging Therapeutic Strategies and Promising Candidates. Ageing Research Reviews (2026). PMID: 41956136
  4. Tian S, Xie H, Zhong Q, Sun C, Yuan P, Xu F, Lu L, Cao J, Li M, Li H. Mitochondria-Targeted Liposomes Boost Thermogenesis for Adipose Tissue Regulation. Advanced Healthcare Materials (2026). PMID: 41964318