SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Mitochondrial-Targeted Peptide · Cardiolipin Protector
Overview
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is an aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that selectively binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing lipid peroxidation and optimizing electron transport chain function for cellular energy production.
Selectively binds to cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing lipid peroxidation and optimizing electron transport chain function. This improves ATP production and reduces oxidative damage at the mitochondrial level.
Optimizes electron transport chain function for improved cellular energy.
Prevents cardiolipin peroxidation and reduces mitochondrial oxidative damage.
Significant improvements in 6-minute walk test and fatigue scores in PMM patients.
Mechanism
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is an aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that selectively binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing lipid peroxidation and optimizing electron transport chain function for cellular energy production.
Selectively binds to cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing lipid peroxidation and optimizing electron transport chain function. This improves ATP production and reduces oxidative damage at the mitochondrial level.
Optimizes electron transport chain function for improved cellular energy.
Research areas
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is an aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that selectively binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing lipid peroxidation and optimizing electron transport chain function for cellular energy production.
- Selectively binds to cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing lipid peroxidation and optimizing electron transport chain function. This improves ATP production and reduces oxidative damage at the mitochondrial level.
- Optimizes electron transport chain function for improved cellular energy.
- Prevents cardiolipin peroxidation and reduces mitochondrial oxidative damage.
- Significant improvements in 6-minute walk test and fatigue scores in PMM patients.
Research notes
- Excellent safety profile in clinical trials
- No significant side effects reported at therapeutic doses
- Mild injection site reactions possible
- Safe for long-term use based on current data
- Severe injection site reactions
References
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29217757/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30597195/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29500292/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37268435/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33077895/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940712/
Questions
Is SS-31 light sensitive and does it really need amber vials?
Yes, SS-31 is photosensitive and requires light protection. Store reconstituted solutions in amber vials or dark containers at 2-8°C. The peptide's aromatic-cationic structure is vulnerable to photodegradation, which can compromise its mitochondrial-binding effectiveness.
How quickly does SS-31 improve exercise tolerance?
Initial improvements in energy and fatigue appear within 1-3 days, with better exercise endurance noticed by week 1-2. Peak exercise capacity improvements typically develop over 4-8 weeks as mitochondrial ATP production optimizes.
Can SS-31 be used with NAD+ boosters and will they interact?
Yes, SS-31 and NAD+ are synergistic because both target mitochondrial function through complementary mechanisms - SS-31 directly protects cardiolipin while NAD+ supports electron transport chain enzymes. Combining them may energy production more than either alone.
What's the difference between clinical-grade SS-31 (40mg daily) and athletic performance doses?
Athletic protocols use 10-20mg daily, while clinical trials for mitochondrial disease used 40mg daily. The higher clinical dose targets more significant mitochondrial dysfunction; athletic users typically achieve performance benefits at lower doses with less potential for excessive metabolic stimulation.