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SS-31 (Elamipretide)

A mitochondrial peptide for cellular energy, anti-aging, and organ protection. SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Studied for improving mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting cellular energy production. In clinical trials for mitochondrial diseases and heart failure.

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๐ŸงฌKey Characteristics
  • Length: 4 amino acids
    (Tetrapeptide.)
  • Target: Cardiolipin
    (Inner mitochondrial membrane.)
  • Mechanism: ETC optimization
    (Reduces ROS, improves ATP.)
  • Primary Use: Mitochondrial health
    (Anti-aging + organ protection.)
Peptide sequence
D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NHโ‚‚
SS-31 concentrates 1000-5000x in mitochondria, stabilizing cardiolipin and reducing electron leak. Currently in clinical trials for heart failure and mitochondrial diseases.
Key takeaway: SS-31 directly targets mitochondrial dysfunction, a root cause of aging and many diseases. One of the most promising mitochondria-targeted therapeutics in development.

Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Cellular health
Targets fundamental cellular processes involved in aging.
Mitochondrial support
May improve mitochondrial function and cellular energy production.
Oxidative stress
Research suggests potential reduction in cellular oxidative damage.
Energy & vitality
May support overall energy levels and physical resilience.
Metabolic function
Some longevity peptides show metabolic health benefits.
Long-term wellness
Studied for sustained benefits to overall health and aging.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

SS-31 (Elamipretide) Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1โ€“2
Physical Changes
Subtle improvements in energy levels
Performance & Recovery
Mitochondrial protection beginning
Other Benefits
Baseline cellular effects occurring
2
Week 3โ€“4
Physical Changes
Gradual improvement in overall vitality
Performance & Recovery
Better sustained energy throughout the day
Other Benefits
Reduced oxidative stress at cellular level
3
Week 5โ€“6
Physical Changes
Improved recovery from physical stress
Performance & Recovery
Enhanced mitochondrial function
Other Benefits
Cumulative cellular health effects becoming noticeable
4
3+ Months
Physical Changes
Improved mitochondrial function, sustained energy
Performance & Recovery
Cellular health maintenance
Other Benefits
Typical protocol: 10-20 days on, then cycle off; repeat 2-3x/year

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

How It Works

Longevity Peptide โ€” Mitochondrial Protectant

Target โ†’ Signal โ†’ Effect โ†’ Outcomes

๐ŸŽฏ
Target

Cardiolipin (Inner Mitochondrial Membrane)

SS-31 (Elamipretide) specifically targets cardiolipin, a phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin is essential for electron transport chain function and ATP production. It's one of the few peptides that penetrates directly into mitochondria.

โšก
Cellular Signal

Cardiolipin Stabilization โ†’ ETC Optimization

By binding and stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 optimizes electron transport chain efficiency, reduces electron leak (which causes oxidative damage), and improves ATP production. This directly addresses the mitochondrial dysfunction that underlies many age-related conditions.

๐Ÿ”„
Systemic Effect

Improved Cellular Energy + Reduced Oxidative Stress

Better mitochondrial function means more efficient energy production in every cell. Reduced oxidative stress protects against age-related damage. Currently in clinical trials for heart failure, kidney disease, and mitochondrial myopathy.

โœ…
What You Notice

Energy Improvements โ†’ Exercise Tolerance โ†’ Vitality

Improved energy levels and reduced fatigue. Better exercise tolerance and recovery. Effects are gradual and cumulative. Currently investigational โ€” clinical trials are exploring applications in age-related conditions.

What Makes This Peptide Different

SS-31 is one of the only peptides that penetrates directly into mitochondria. While MOTS-c activates AMPK (an energy-sensing pathway), SS-31 physically enters mitochondria and stabilizes their inner membrane structure. This makes it uniquely targeted for mitochondrial dysfunction โ€” the underlying cause of many aging-related conditions.

Dosing Protocol

Longevity / Mitochondria

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
10 mg
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water
Dose
500 mcg (10 units on 1ml syringe)
Timing
AM
Frequency
5 days on, 2 days off
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Protocol Notes
Targets mitochondrial cardiolipin. Not FDA-approved. Clinical trials used higher doses (4-40 mg SC daily).
Read the full dosing guide โ€” protocols, reconstitution, clinical context & more

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why daily? SS-31's mitochondrial protective effects require consistent presence to maintain cardiolipin stabilization. The 5 on / 2 off cycling prevents potential adaptation.

Why morning? Aligning with the body's peak energy demand period. SS-31 supports mitochondrial energy production, making morning dosing most functionally relevant.

SS-31 (Elamipretide) Pricing

We surface in-stock offers first and normalize by price per mg for quick comparisons.

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Out of stock (3)
Certified Pep
10 mg / vial
Last seen price: $59.00
Ascension Peptides
10 mg / vial
Last seen price: $61.00
Certified Pep
30 mg / vial
Last seen price: $160.00

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Reconstitution calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

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Educational Videos

How to Reconstitute Peptides

Handling

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder Storage (Very Stable)
  • Freezer (-20ยฐC): 1+ year โœ“
  • Refrigerator (2-8ยฐC): 1-3 months โœ“
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted Storage (Fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8ยฐC
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose

Storage & Handling Guide

Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20ยฐC
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8ยฐC
View Complete Storage Guide

FAQ

What makes SS-31 unique?

SS-31 (Elamipretide) specifically targets mitochondria, concentrating in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It's designed to improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and support cellular energy production. It's in clinical trials for mitochondrial diseases and heart failure.

How does SS-31 work at the molecular level?

SS-31 binds to cardiolipin, a phospholipid found only in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This stabilizes the electron transport chain, improves ATP production efficiency, and reduces the leakage of electrons that create harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). The result is better energy production with less oxidative damage.

What conditions is SS-31 being studied for?

SS-31 is in clinical trials for primary mitochondrial myopathy, Barth syndrome, heart failure, age-related macular degeneration, and kidney disease. It's also researched for general aging, as mitochondrial dysfunction underlies many age-related diseases. Results have been promising for improving exercise capacity and reducing fatigue.

Can SS-31 improve exercise performance?

Research suggests SS-31 can improve exercise tolerance by enhancing mitochondrial ATP production. Clinical trials in patients with mitochondrial myopathy showed improved 6-minute walk distance and reduced fatigue. For healthy individuals, it may support endurance and recovery by optimizing cellular energy production.

How is SS-31 administered?

In clinical trials, SS-31 (Elamipretide) is administered via subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion. Research dosages have ranged from 0.01 to 0.25 mg/kg. It has good bioavailability and rapidly concentrates in mitochondria-rich tissues like heart, muscle, and kidney.

What is the connection between SS-31 and aging?

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging โ€” mitochondria become less efficient and produce more damaging ROS over time. SS-31 addresses this by stabilizing mitochondrial function. Animal studies show it can reverse age-related decline in cardiac function, muscle strength, and kidney function. It's considered a promising anti-aging intervention.

Is SS-31 FDA approved?

Not yet. SS-31 (as Elamipretide) has received FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for certain conditions. It's currently in Phase 3 trials for primary mitochondrial myopathy and has shown promise in Phase 2 trials for heart failure. Approval decisions are pending based on ongoing trial results.

What are the side effects of SS-31?

In clinical trials, SS-31 has been generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects include injection site reactions and mild headache. Some patients experienced transient flushing. Serious adverse events have been rare. Its safety profile is encouraging given its novel mechanism of action.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8ยฐC (36-46ยฐF). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

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Scientific Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

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