SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Elamipretide · MTP-131 · Bendavia
A mitochondria-targeting peptide in human trials for mitochondrial and age-related disease.
Class
Cardiolipin-targeting mitochondrial peptide
Half-life
~2 hours
Evidence
Limited human data
Limited human data
Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive.
Overview
SS-31, developed as elamipretide, is a small peptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding cardiolipin — a lipid essential to the electron transport chain. By stabilising cardiolipin it aims to restore efficient energy production and reduce the reactive-oxygen leakage that drives mitochondrial dysfunction.
Unlike most compounds in the longevity space, elamipretide has been through real human clinical trials — for primary mitochondrial myopathy, Barth syndrome, heart failure, and dry age-related macular degeneration. Results have been mixed: some endpoints improved, several pivotal trials missed their primary endpoint. It is genuinely investigational rather than proven, but the human data is more substantial than most.
How it works
- Binds and stabilises cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- Improves electron transport chain efficiency and ATP production.
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and protects against mitochondrial swelling.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Improved measures of mitochondrial function in some human trials
- Signals of benefit in Barth syndrome and mitochondrial myopathy
- Mixed cardiovascular and ophthalmic trial results (several missed primary endpoints)
Limitations & what it won't do
- Several pivotal human trials did not meet their primary endpoints.
- Not FDA approved.
- The research-peptide SS-31 is not the pharmaceutical-grade trial product.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Trial-referenced protocol
40 mgThe elamipretide trials used 40 mg subcutaneous daily. Documented for reference.
Reconstitution & measuring your dose
Handling
- Typical vial sizes
- 10 · 50 mg
- Suggested BAC water
- 2 mL
- Storage
- Lyophilised powder refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light.
- After reconstitution
- Reconstituted: approximately 30 days refrigerated.
Why 2 mL? A 50 mg vial in 2 mL yields 25 mg/mL — a 40 mg dose lands near 64 units of a U-100 syringe. The 10 mg vial suits smaller exploratory doses.
Dose calculator
Draw to
160units
= 1.6 mL · 250 mcg per unit
Concentration
25000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
1
- This dose needs 160 units but your syringe holds 100. Use less bacteriostatic water to concentrate the solution, or split the dose across two draws.
Side effects
Common
- Injection-site reactions (notably common in trials)
- Generally otherwise well tolerated
Serious / rare
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No pregnancy safety data.
What to monitor
- Energy and exercise tolerance
- Injection-site reactions
Commonly combined with
SS-31 (Elamipretide): common questions
Is SS-31 (Elamipretide) approved for human use?
Most research peptides, including SS-31 (Elamipretide), are not FDA-approved for general human use and are sold as research chemicals "not for human consumption." Check the legal-status and evidence badges above, and consult a licensed physician — this page is educational only.
How strong is the evidence for SS-31 (Elamipretide)?
On this site SS-31 (Elamipretide) is graded "Limited human data". Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive. We grade every claim so you can weigh it honestly rather than by hype.
How is SS-31 (Elamipretide) reconstituted and dosed?
See the protocols and reconstitution details above for reference ranges, then use the dose calculator to convert a vial's mg, your bacteriostatic-water volume, and target dose into exact insulin-syringe units. Dosing shown is a reference, not a recommendation.
What should I screen for before considering SS-31 (Elamipretide)?
Run your goals, medical history, and current medications through the assessment — it flags contraindications and interactions and will hard-stop unsafe matches — and confirm everything with a licensed physician. Any use is at your own risk.
References
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
Want to know if SS-31 (Elamipretide) fits your goals and history?
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