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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides30 plates · MIT
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XXIVPlate XXIVReviewed 2026-04-25

SS-31

Mitochondrial-targeted tetrapeptide

also known as Elamipretide, Bendavia, MTP-131

Synthetic four-amino-acid peptide that selectively localises to the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding cardiolipin. Stabilises cristae structure, preserves electron transport chain efficiency, and reduces ROS generation in stressed mitochondria. Multiple Phase 3 trials in ischemia-reperfusion, primary mitochondrial myopathy (Barth syndrome), and dry AMD; not yet FDA-approved as of 2026.

§ I

At a glance

Daily dose
40 mg
[szeto-2014]
Evidence level
Phase 3
[szilagyi-2009][szeto-2014]
Half-life
~3 hr
Route

SQ · Abdomen · Once daily

§ II

Mechanism

Primary target — Cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane [szeto-2014].

Pathway — Cardiolipin binding → cristae stabilisation → ETC integrity → reduced ROS + preserved ATP synthesis [szeto-2014][szilagyi-2009].

Downstream effect — Mitochondrial bioenergetic preservation; cardio-, neuro-, and reno-protective effects in animal + clinical studies [szeto-2014].

Origin — Synthetic tetrapeptide D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂; cell-permeable, mitochondrial-selective [szeto-2014].

§ III

Dosage

Protocols described in the cited literature; not medical advice.

ParameterValue
Standard dose40 mg / day SQ (clinical trials) [szeto-2014]Anecdotal community range 5-10 mg/day. Phase 3 trials use 40 mg.
FrequencyOnce daily
Lower / starter dose5 mg / day (anecdotal)
Evidence basisMultiple Phase 3 trials (Barth, AMD, ischemia-reperfusion) [szeto-2014][szilagyi-2009]
DurationIndefinite for mitochondrial disease; cycled for healthspan use
ReconstitutionBacteriostatic water
TimingMorning fasted preferred; pre-workout for exercise-induced mitochondrial stress
Half-life~3 h plasma; tissue uptake longer
§ III · b

Reconstitution

A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.

Inputs
The calculator does pure mass-to-volume math. It does not recommend a dose. Refer to SS-31's cited literature for protocol specifics.
Volumetric outputFig. C — reconstitution math
Volume per dose
0.013mL
≈ 1.3 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
Concentration
20000
mcg per mL
Doses per vial
160
at this dose
§ V

Adverse events

Severities follow the FDA / CTCAE convention.

Injection site reactionmild
Erythema, mild pruritus
GI symptomsmild
Nausea (uncommon)
Headachemild
Reported in some Phase 3 trials
Cardiovascularmild
Cardio-protective in studies; no signal of harm
Long-term safetymild
Phase 3 data over 24+ months; no major safety signals [szeto-2014]
Pregnancy / OBsevere
Avoid — insufficient data
Absolute contraindications
  • — Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • — Hypersensitivity to peptide
Relative contraindications
  • — None established
§ VI

Administration

  1. 01
    Reconstitution

    Add bacteriostatic water per label. Light-protected handling.

  2. 02
    Injection site

    SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

  3. 03
    Timing

    Morning fasted; pre-workout for exercise-augmented mitochondrial stress.

  4. 04
    Storage

    Lyophilised: refrigerate, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.

  5. 05
    Needle

    29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

§ VII

Synergies

moderate synergy
+
SS-31 + MOTS-c

SS-31 and MOTS-c address mitochondrial decline through complementary axes. SS-31 protects existing mitochondrial structure (cardiolipin binding, cristae stabilisation). MOTS-c upregulates AMPK/PGC-1α, triggering biogenesis of new mitochondria. Together they pair preservation with renewal — anecdotally favoured in healthspan and post-cardio-event recovery protocols.

Primary benefit — Mitochondrial preservation + biogenesis
Appendix

Sources

21%

of 43 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.

  1. [szeto-2014]
    Szeto 2014 — First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent for restoring mitochondrial bioenergetics
    Br J Pharmacol, 2014
    PubMed →
  2. [szilagyi-2009]
    Szilagyi 2009 — SS-31 protects mitochondria during ischemia-reperfusion
    Stroke, 2009
    Source →
Plate composed 2026-04-25 · maturity reviewed · schema v1 · Contributors: peptidesdb-core · 34 fields uncited — open contributions
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