# SS-31

> SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide developed to bind cardiolipin, a phospholipid essential to inner mitochondrial membrane structure and electron transport chain function. It has advanced further through formal clinical trials than most peptides in this category, having been studied in conditions such as heart failure, Barth syndrome, and primary mitochondrial myopathy. Trial results have been mixed, with some studies showing functional benefits and others failing to meet primary endpoints. It is not currently FDA-approved for general use, and any use outside supervised trials is investigational.

- URL: https://www.lifeconverted.com/peptides/ss-31
- Also known as: Elamipretide, Bendavia, MTP-131
- Primary category: Immune & Anti-Aging
- Effectiveness rank: #2 in Immune & Anti-Aging; #1 in Metabolic
- Evidence level: Well studied
- Route: Subcutaneous
- Dose range: 20-60 mg
- Dose tiers: low 20 mg; moderate 40 mg; high 60 mg
- Half-life: Short, estimated at under 2 hours based on pharmacokinetic trial data
- Timing: Morning, same time daily
- Cycle: 4-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off (Clinical trials have used continuous daily dosing for months; shorter cycling is more common in non-clinical research use)
- Storage: Store lyophilized peptide refrigerated or frozen; reconstituted solution refrigerated and used within 2-4 weeks

## Mechanism of action

SS-31 concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding selectively to cardiolipin, helping stabilize cristae structure and support efficient electron transport chain function. By reducing electron leakage and associated reactive oxygen species production, it may help preserve ATP synthesis efficiency under mitochondrial stress. This targeted mechanism distinguishes it from generalized antioxidant approaches.

## Reported benefits

- Studied for support of mitochondrial energy production under stress
- Investigated in clinical trials for heart failure and mitochondrial myopathy
- Explored for potential exercise tolerance benefits in mitochondrial disease populations
- May support reduction of oxidative stress markers in some studies

## Reported side effects

- Injection site erythema, common in trials
- Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
- Headache
- Trial data show inconsistent efficacy signals across conditions

## Common protocols

- Daily subcutaneous dosing
- Cyclical multi-week courses in non-clinical research use

## Stacking notes

Sometimes discussed alongside other mitochondrial-support compounds such as Humanin; no controlled combination data exists

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