What are the potential benefits of SS-31?

Reverses cardiac diastolic dysfunction in aged mice after 8-week treatment. Normalizes age-related increase in mitochondrial proton leak. Reduces mitochondrial ROS production and oxidative protein damage. Improves mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production. Ongoing clinical trials for heart failure, primary mitochondrial myopathy. Muscle recovery and fatigue resistance in mitochondria-rich tissue. Potential benefits in retinal and neural mitochondrial disease

What compounds work synergistically with SS-31?

SS-31 has been studied alongside MOTS-c, Humanin, CoQ10 for potential synergistic effects.

SS-31 — Mechanism, Benefits, Research & Synergies

Overview

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide designed specifically to target and protect mitochondria. Its structure enables rapid penetration of mitochondrial membranes and selective binding to cardiolipin, the unique phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane. SS-31 has demonstrated the extraordinary ability to reverse pre-existing cardiac aging dysfunction in old mice after 8 weeks of treatment, representing one of the most compelling demonstrations of mitochondria-targeted anti-aging therapy.

Mechanism of Action

SS-31 penetrates mitochondrial membranes driven by the negative surface charge and selectively binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This binding: (1) restores cristae curvature and function of electron transport chain complexes; (2) improves electron carrier function of cytochrome c while reducing its peroxidase activity; (3) reduces proton leak and improves respiratory control ratio; (4) decreases mitochondrial ROS production by preventing electron leak from the ETC; (5) inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) formation; (6) reverses myofilament protein hypo-phosphorylation in aged hearts.

Potential Benefits

Reverses cardiac diastolic dysfunction in aged mice after 8-week treatment
Normalizes age-related increase in mitochondrial proton leak
Reduces mitochondrial ROS production and oxidative protein damage
Improves mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production
Ongoing clinical trials for heart failure, primary mitochondrial myopathy
Muscle recovery and fatigue resistance in mitochondria-rich tissue
Potential benefits in retinal and neural mitochondrial disease

Dosage Protocols

The following reflects doses used in published research studies. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Typical Range	1-5 mg/day
Beginner	1 mg/day subcutaneously
Intermediate	2-3 mg/day
Advanced	5 mg/day; clinical trials used 0.05-0.25 mg/kg/hour IV infusion
Cycle Duration	4-8 weeks
Cycle Off	4 weeks

SS-31 (Elamipretide) has been tested in human clinical trials for heart failure and primary mitochondrial myopathy. IV infusion is used clinically; subcutaneous is more practical for research purposes. Parenteral administration required.

Use our Reconstitution Calculator to determine exact syringe units for your protocol.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous Injection High

Practical route for research; rapid tissue distribution to mitochondria-rich organs (heart, skeletal muscle, brain)

Intramuscular Injection High

Alternative; used in some clinical protocols

Read our full Routes of Administration Guide for detailed comparison of all delivery methods.

Stacking Protocols

Popular research stacks involving SS-31:

Mitochondrial Cardio Stack

Comprehensive cardiac and mitochondrial protection

SS-31 MOTS-c Humanin

SS-31 preserves mitochondrial cristae structure and cardiolipin integrity; MOTS-c and Humanin provide metabolic and survival signaling. Powerful cardiometabolic combination.

Aging Mitochondria Stack

Age-related mitochondrial decline reversal and tissue repair

SS-31 NAD+ Peptide Complex GHK-Cu

SS-31 targets the mitochondrial inner membrane; NAD+ restores sirtuin activity; GHK-Cu drives extracellular matrix renewal.

Explore our complete Peptide Stacking Guide for more combinations and safety considerations.

Reconstitution

Typical Vial Size	5mg, 10mg
BAC Water	1-2ml per 5mg vial
Storage	Refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution
Shelf Life	28 days refrigerated

Need exact syringe measurements?

Open Calculator Full Guide

Amino Acid Sequence

D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide)

Side Effects & Safety

Generally well-tolerated in clinical studies
Mild injection site reactions
Transient nausea in some subjects
No serious cardiovascular adverse events at therapeutic doses

Synergistic Compounds

The following compounds have been studied alongside SS-31 for potential complementary or synergistic effects:

MOTS-c HumaninCoQ10

Learn More

Beginner's GuideNew to peptides? Start here Stacking GuideSynergistic combinations Administration RoutesSubQ, IM, oral, nasal & more Reconstitution CalculatorCalculate exact dosing Peptides vs SARMsFull comparison How Peptides Are MadeSPPS, purification & QC

References & Further Reading

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Quick Facts

Molecular Weight	638.8 g/mol
Research Status	Currently in clinical trials for heart failure (PRIMETIME study), primary mitochondrial myopathy, and Barth syndrome. Extensive preclinical data. Not yet FDA-approved.

More Peptides in This Category

MOTS-c Humanin 5-Amino-1MQ NAD+ Peptide Complex SHuffle Peptide (Elamipretide Context)CJC-1295

SS-31