⚠️ Research Use Only. This post is educational and does not constitute medical advice. All peptides discussed are sold for research purposes only. See our full disclaimer.
Overview
SS-31 is a mitochondria-targeted peptide studied for age-related mitochondrial decline, heart failure, and inherited mitochondrial diseases.
What is SS-31?
SS-31, also known as elamipretide or bendavia, is one of the most thoroughly developed mitochondria-targeted peptides. Its unique structural feature is a sequence of alternating aromatic and basic amino acids that allows it to selectively concentrate in the inner mitochondrial membrane, binding to cardiolipin.
Cardiolipin is a phospholipid almost exclusively found in mitochondrial membranes, where it stabilizes electron transport chain complexes. With age, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial disease, cardiolipin levels and integrity decline. SS-31 stabilizes cardiolipin, improves electron transport chain efficiency, and reduces reactive oxygen species production at the source rather than just scavenging existing ROS.
Clinical development has been substantial. Stealth Biotherapeutics has run trials in heart failure, primary mitochondrial myopathy, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, and several other indications. Results have been mixed — the MMPOWER-3 trial in primary mitochondrial myopathy failed to meet its primary endpoint, but other trials in cardiac and renal contexts have shown signals of benefit.
The anti-aging research community has been particularly interested in SS-31 because of its rejuvenating effects on aged mouse cardiac and skeletal muscle in preclinical work. The compound restored mitochondrial function in aged hearts and improved exercise capacity in old mice. Clinical translation of these findings in healthy aging is not yet established. Research dosing varies widely depending on indication.
Top Research Uses
- Mitochondrial function
- Heart failure research
- Inherited mitochondrial disease
- Anti-aging research
- Renal protection
Mechanism of Action
Targets and stabilizes cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, improving electron transport efficiency and reducing reactive oxygen species
Research Parameters
| Half-Life | ~2-4 hours |
| Typical Research Dose | Clinical trials used 4-60 mg/day subq across various indications |
| Administration Route | Subcutaneous |
| Reported Side Effects | Injection site reactions most common; well-tolerated profile in trials |
Dosing ranges cited from published research literature. These are not recommendations for human use. SS-31 is a research compound — not for human consumption.
Research Strength: Moderate
SS-31 has a moderate research base, with a reasonable number of studies examining its proposed mechanisms. More research is ongoing.
Vendor & Sourcing Notes
Stealth Biotherapeutics holds rights as elamipretide; research-grade powder availability varies
Always request third-party HPLC purity reports and mass spectrometry verification when sourcing research peptides. Quality varies significantly between suppliers.
Research Use Only — Compliance Notice
The information on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only. SS-31 (Elamipretide (Bendavia)) is a research compound sold for laboratory research purposes only. It has not been approved by the FDA for human use. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide-related protocols.
