SS-31
Also known as: Elamipretide, Bendavia
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Mitochondria-targeted peptide with cardioprotective properties. Selectively binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
The clinical interest in SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide) lies in its ability to selectively bind to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing the electron transport chain and reducing reactive oxygen species generation. This mechanism supports research lines in cardioprotection, neuroprotection, and rare mitochondrial diseases such as Barth syndrome.
SS-31 does not yet have broad regulatory approval. It has been evaluated in several clinical trials sponsored by Stealth BioTherapeutics, but results in heart failure and macular degeneration have been mixed. Outside clinical trials, the compound is not dispensed by conventional compounding pharmacies for therapeutic use and is found mainly in research settings.
Among mitochondrial peptides, SS-31 occupies the cardiology/ophthalmology niche through selective cardiolipin binding — a structural mechanism distinct from the mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) MOTS-c (exercise mimetic via AMPK) and humanin (anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective). Unlike those two, it is a synthetic tetrapeptide with D-amino acids, and it has progressed furthest in sponsored clinical research, although late-stage results have been mixed.
rFKF D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂ Contains D-amino acids and modified amino acids
Half-life
~4-6 hours
Administration Route
Subcutaneous or intravenous
Category
Specialized Research
Mechanism of Action
- Selective binding to mitochondrial cardiolipin
- Stabilization of the electron transport chain
- Reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Cardioprotection and neuroprotection
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | Variable dosage per research |
| Frequency | Per protocol |
| Timing | Per research design |
| Duration | Per specific study |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Injection site pain
- Mild headache
- Dizziness (rare)
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of SS-31 found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: Per protocol
- Follow specific study protocol
- Slowly inject the diluent against the vial wall
- Gently swirl
Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (use promptly)
- Protect from direct light
- Limited stability
Scientific Studies
Published studies on SS-31.
Improving mitochondrial function with SS-31 reverses age-related redox stress and improves exercise tolerance in aged mice
Campbell MD, Duan J, Samuelson AT, Gaffrey MJ, Merrihew GE, Egertson JD, Wang L, Bammler TK, Moore RJ, White CC, Kavanagh TJ, Voss JG, Szeto HH, Rabinovitch PS, MacCoss MJ, Qian WJ, Marcinek DJ
Randomized dose-escalation trial of elamipretide in adults with primary mitochondrial myopathy
Karaa A, Haas R, Goldstein A, Vockley J, Weaver WD, Cohen BH
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