Mitochondrial & Energy Research Guide

SS-31: Dosage, Benefits & Research Guide

Key Facts

SS-31 is a mitochondrial & energy research peptide (C32H49N9O5, MW 639.8 g/mol). Cell-permeable peptide for mitochondrial function and cardiolipin stabilization research. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory and in-vitro research use only — not for human consumption.

Classification	Cell-permeable peptide for mitochondrial function and cardiolipin stabilization research.
Molecular Formula	C32H49N9O5
Molecular Weight	639.8 g/mol
CAS Number	736992-21-5
Research Half-Life	Not established in published literature
Form	Lyophilized powder
Research Category	Mitochondrial & Energy

What is SS-31?

SS-31, also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2), is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its primary mechanism involves binding to cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to mitochondrial membranes that is essential for electron transport chain organization and ATP synthase function. By stabilizing cardiolipin microdomains, SS-31 optimizes electron transfer between complexes III and IV, reduces electron leak, and limits reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at the source. Research by Szeto (2006) published in AAPS Journal described SS-31's unique mitochondria-targeting pharmacology, demonstrating 5,000-fold concentration in mitochondria relative to cytoplasm within minutes of exposure. Clinical studies published in Circulation: Heart Failure by Daubert et al. showed that SS-31 improved left ventricular volumes in heart failure patients during a Phase 1/2 trial. Preclinical work in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology demonstrated renal protective effects in ischemia-reperfusion injury models, with SS-31 preserving mitochondrial cristae structure and reducing tubular cell death. Compared to general antioxidants like CoQ10 or vitamin E, SS-31 targets ROS production at the mitochondrial source rather than scavenging free radicals after they are formed. This upstream approach is considered more efficient by researchers. MitoQ, another mitochondria-targeted compound, accumulates via membrane potential rather than cardiolipin binding, giving SS-31 a distinct pharmacological profile, particularly in depolarized or damaged mitochondria. Store lyophilized SS-31 at -20°C in a desiccated, light-protected environment. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and store at 2-8°C, using within 4 weeks. SS-31 is actively investigated by mitochondrial biologists, cardiologists studying heart failure, nephrologists, and aging researchers examining mitochondrial dysfunction as a driver of age-related disease.

SS-31 Research Applications

In published and preclinical research, SS-31 has been studied across the following areas:

Mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis
Cardiovascular ischemia and heart failure
Diabetes and oxidative stress reduction
Anti-inflammatory mechanisms

SS-31 in Research: Reconstitution & Study Concentrations

SS-31 is supplied as a lyophilized powder. For laboratory research it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water; the solvent volume sets the working concentration. Published studies select concentrations specific to the assay or model system — there is no human dose, as SS-31 is not approved for human use. Researchers should reference the primary literature for the model in question and document the exact lot COA.

Worked example: a 10mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 5.00 mg/mL.

Open the reconstitution calculator

SS-31 — Frequently Asked Questions

What is SS-31 (Elamipretide) and how does it work?

SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, also known as Elamipretide) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that selectively targets the inner mitochondrial membrane. It binds to cardiolipin, a phospholipid essential for electron transport chain complex organization and ATP synthesis. By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 optimizes mitochondrial cristae structure, reduces electron leak and ROS production, and enhances oxidative phosphorylation efficiency in preclinical models.

What research has been done on SS-31?

Research published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology demonstrated SS-31's renoprotective effects in ischemia-reperfusion models. Studies in Circulation showed improved cardiac function in heart failure models through restored mitochondrial efficiency. Phase 2/3 clinical trials (Stealth BioTherapeutics) investigated elamipretide for Barth syndrome and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Additional research has explored its neuroprotective and anti-diabetic potential.

How does SS-31 compare to MOTS-C for mitochondrial research?

SS-31 and MOTS-C target mitochondria through different mechanisms. SS-31 physically binds to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, directly stabilizing electron transport chain complexes. MOTS-C activates AMPK signaling to influence mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic gene expression. SS-31 is more suited for acute mitochondrial rescue research, while MOTS-C addresses longer-term metabolic adaptation and mitochondrial turnover pathways.

What is the recommended reconstitution protocol for SS-31?

For this 10mg vial, add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to yield a concentration of 5.0mg/mL. Draw 10 units on a 1mL insulin syringe for a 500 mcg dose. Inject BAC water slowly along the inner vial wall — do not shake. Allow the powder to dissolve fully (2–5 minutes). Administer in the AM. Use 5 days on, 2 days off. Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2–8°C and use within 30 days.

Is SS-31 legal to buy for research?

SS-31 is sold in the United States as a research chemical for laboratory and in-vitro use only. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is not sold for human consumption. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.

How is SS-31 reconstituted for research use?

SS-31 ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water before use in research. The volume of solvent added determines the working concentration — use the Elyte reconstitution calculator to derive the exact concentration for a given vial size and solvent volume.

Does SS-31 come with a Certificate of Analysis?

Yes. Every batch of SS-31 from Elyte Peptides ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting identity and HPLC purity (≥98%), so research results can be traced to a verified lot.

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