SS-31
Mitochondrial energy peptide
Also known as Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia
- Evidence grade
- BHuman trials, not approved for this useScale
- Half-life
- Not well characterized in humans
- Schedule
- Once daily, subcutaneous
- Maintenance amount
- 5.00 mg
- Vial sizes sold
- 50 mg
Where a value is not established in people, this table says so rather than filling the box.
SS-31, known clinically as elamipretide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide that concentrates in mitochondria. It has been tested in humans for primary mitochondrial myopathy and other conditions of impaired cellular energy.
SS-31 binds cardiolipin, a lipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane, and helps stabilize the structure that supports the electron transport chain. This can improve the efficiency of energy production and reduce leakage of reactive oxygen species. The result is better ATP output and less oxidative damage in stressed tissue. In human trials it has generally been safe but has largely missed its primary efficacy endpoints.
Human evidence includes several controlled trials that confirmed safety but largely failed to hit primary efficacy endpoints.
- Studied for supporting mitochondrial energy production
- Researched to reduce oxidative stress in energy-hungry tissues
- Explored for muscle function in mitochondrial disease
- Generally well tolerated in human trials
- Injection-site reactions, which were common in trials
- Headache or dizziness
- Modest or absent benefit on primary endpoints in several trials
- Long-term safety beyond trial durations is not established
A summary of the research, not medical advice. Individual benefits and risks vary, and for some of these compounds the human evidence is still early.
SS-31, studied clinically as elamipretide, concentrates in mitochondria similar to MOTS-C's pathway. Reports describe an adjustment period in the first one to two weeks, with steadier energy and endurance reported building over four to eight weeks.
Read the full timeline →Drawn from published trial data and how the research community commonly describes this stretch. Not a fixed schedule and not medical advice.
Once daily, subcutaneous. For research reference only, not medical advice.
| Phase | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ongoing | 5–10 mg daily (trials used 40 mg) |
Trials used 40 mg daily. Community amounts are much lower and not trial-backed.
A rough shopping estimate at the maintenance amount. Your real needs shift with your dose and titration.
| Item | 8-week plan | 12-week plan | 16-week plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptide vials (50 mg) | 6 | 9 | 12 |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 | 112 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Alcohol swabs (100-count box) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Lyophilized: Keep the sealed powder cold and dark, near -20 °C, dry and out of light.
Reconstituted: Refrigerate the mixed vial at 2 to 8 °C, use within a few weeks and avoid freeze and thaw.
Let a cold vial reach room temperature before you open it, so it takes on less condensation.
How strong is the evidence for SS-31?
We grade it B on a four-point scale. Controlled trials confirmed safety and largely missed their primary efficacy endpoints.
What is the half-life of SS-31?
It is not well characterized in humans. Published pharmacokinetic data for SS-31 is thin, so any specific figure you see quoted should be treated with caution.
What amount of SS-31 is used in the research?
Ongoing: 5–10 mg daily (trials used 40 mg). Trials used 40 mg daily. Community amounts are much lower and not trial-backed.
How is SS-31 stored once reconstituted?
Refrigerate the mixed vial at 2 to 8 °C, use within a few weeks and avoid freeze and thaw.