LongevityResearch profile

SS-31

Elamipretide · Bendavia · MTP-131 · Szeto-Schiller Peptide 31

Think of it as a power-up for your cell's energy factories.

SS-31 is like a superhero cape for your mitochondria, the tiny power plants inside your cells. It binds to a specific part of the mitochondrial membrane, helping to keep these energy factories running smoothly. By doing so, it supports the efficient production of ATP, the energy currency of your cells, even when they're under stress.

This peptide has been studied for its potential to help with various energy-related issues, like those seen in certain genetic conditions and age-related eye problems. It's still in the research phase, so scientists are exploring its full range of benefits and potential uses.

Who it's for

Biohackers interested in cellular health and longevity.
People curious about cutting-edge research in mitochondrial support.
Those exploring potential future therapies for genetic conditions.

Probably not for you if…

Anyone looking for an FDA-approved treatment.
Folks uncomfortable with ongoing clinical research.
Individuals expecting immediate or guaranteed results.

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) developed in the Hazel Szeto laboratory that selectively binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Research suggests stabilization of cristae architecture, preservation of electron transport chain efficiency, and reduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation. It is in clinical investigation stage — not FDA-approved — and has been evaluated in clinical trials for Barth syndrome, primary mitochondrial myopathy, dry age-related macular degeneration, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Stealth BioTherapeutics has been the primary developer; several trials have progressed through Phase 2 and Phase 3.

Researched Benefits

Cardiolipin binding and mitochondrial membrane stabilization

Preclinical work from the Szeto laboratory showed stabilization of mitochondrial cristae and preserved ATP production under oxidative stress.

[Szeto 2014]
[Birk et al. 2014]

Barth syndrome and primary mitochondrial myopathy

Clinical trial data in Barth syndrome and primary mitochondrial myopathy populations has shown mixed but notable signals; development remains ongoing. Clinical investigation stage.

[Karaa et al. 2018]
[Reid Thompson et al. 2020]

Ophthalmic and cardiovascular research

Evaluated in Phase 2 trials for dry AMD and in preclinical ischemia-reperfusion cardiac models; additional clinical programs have explored heart failure endpoints.

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Clinical-trial reference dose

Dosage: 40 mg
Frequency: daily
Timing: morning
Cycle: 12 weeks

Published clinical trials have used 40 mg subcutaneous daily as a common adult dose. Protocols vary by indication and research context.

Lower-dose research

Dosage: 20 mg
Frequency: daily
Timing: morning
Cycle: 8 weeks

Lower-dose subcutaneous protocol seen in earlier-phase research and in self-directed research framing.

Reported Side Effects

Injection-site reactions are the most commonly reported effect in clinical trials
Transient headache and GI discomfort
Elevated creatine kinase has been reported in some trial cohorts

Contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation
Active malignancy
Known hypersensitivity to the peptide
Concurrent experimental mitochondrial therapy without supervision

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with SS-31 in published research and protocol write-ups.

longevity

Vendor Pricing

75
LA Peptides
Best $/mg
Size50mg
Total$150.00
/ mg$3.00/mg
In stock
View
67
True Peptide Labs
Size50mg
Total$160.00
/ mg$3.20/mg
In stock
View
73
Platinum Lion Peptides
Size30mg
Total$99.99
/ mg$3.33/mg
In stock
View
78
Evolve Peptides
Size50mg
Total$169.90
/ mg$3.40/mg
In stock
View
65
SolXGenix
Size50mg
Total$176.00
/ mg$3.52/mg
In stock
View
75
Swiss Chems
Size10mg
Total$41.95
/ mg$4.20/mg
In stock
View
74
Modern Research Peptides
Size10mg
Total$41.99
/ mg$4.20/mg
In stock
View
70
Certified Peptides
Size50mg
Total$218.00
/ mg$4.36/mg
In stock
View

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Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for SS-31. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

Stacks well with

· Supplement companions — independent evidence, not sponsored

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) 500mg × 60 caps
Double Wood
Oral NAD+ precursor — cheaper daily stack-mate for injectable NAD+ and natural fit alongside Epithalon + MOTS-c longevity protocols.
Buy on Amazon →
Trans-Resveratrol 500mg (120 capsules)
Double Wood
Sirtuin-activating polyphenol — SIRT1 needs NAD+ as its cofactor. Classic NAD+/sirtuin stack.
Buy on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases · Disclosed per FTC guidelines

Research Papers

First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics
Szeto HH · British Journal of Pharmacology · 2014
PubMed 24116962 →
The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin
Birk AV, Liu S, Soong Y, et al. · Journal of the American Society of Nephrology · 2013
PubMed 23813215 →
Randomized dose-escalation trial of elamipretide in adults with primary mitochondrial myopathy
Karaa A, Haas R, Goldstein A, et al. · Neurology · 2018
PubMed 30232246 →

SS-31

Mechanism of Action

Researched Benefits

Cardiolipin binding and mitochondrial membrane stabilization