Review · PMID 41956136

Drug Repurposing in Alzheimer's Disease: Emerging Therapeutic Strategies and Promising Candidates — VialBase Research

Elamipretide identified as drug repurposing candidate for Alzheimer's disease

Last updated · 2026 · More PS et al. · Ageing Research Reviews
Key findings
  • Elamipretide identified as drug repurposing candidate for Alzheimer's disease
  • Targets mitochondrial dysfunction, a key contributor to AD pathogenesis
  • Cardiolipin stabilization may protect neurons from bioenergetic failure
  • Part of emerging mitochondria-targeted strategies for neurodegenerative disease

PMID 41956136 — Elamipretide as AD Drug Repurposing Candidate

Compound: SS-31 Citation: More PS et al. Ageing Res Rev. 2026 Apr 7:103113. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2026.103113

Summary

Review of drug repurposing strategies for Alzheimer’s disease, identifying elamipretide (SS-31) among emerging candidates targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.

Relevance to SS-31

Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an early event in AD pathogenesis, preceding amyloid plaque formation. SS-31’s ability to stabilize cardiolipin and restore ETC function could protect neurons from bioenergetic failure. Positions SS-31 as a potential neuroprotective agent beyond its cardiovascular focus.

PubMed

See Also

  • Parent compound: SS-31
  • Related compound: Semax (also targets Alzheimer’s via neuroprotection)