Longevity & Mitochondrial Research Moderate Evidence

SS-31 / Elamipretide

Mitochondria-targeting peptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Studied for heart failure, kidney disease, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

mitochondriacardiolipinheart failureoxidative stressaging

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Half-life

2–4 hours

SKUs

Evidence

Moderate Evidence

📖 What Is This?

SS-31 (also known as elamipretide or MTP-131) is a synthetic peptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has been studied for heart failure, kidney disease, mitochondrial myopathy, and aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Several phase 2 human clinical trials have been completed, making it one of the more clinically advanced mitochondria-targeting peptides in research.

🔬 What Are Researchers Studying It For?

Heart Failure Research

The PROGRESS trial and related studies examined SS-31 (elamipretide) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. A phase 2 trial showed improvements in six-minute walk distance and other functional measures, though not all endpoints reached statistical significance. The REEF-1 trial in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was also conducted.

Mitochondrial Myopathy

SS-31 has been studied in patients with mitochondrial myopathy — a group of genetic disorders where mitochondria don't function properly. Phase 2 trials showed improvements in distance walked, energy levels, and quality of life in some affected individuals.

Kidney Protection Research

Preclinical and early clinical research has examined SS-31 for protecting kidneys from ischemia-reperfusion injury (relevant to transplant and cardiac surgery). The compound's ability to stabilize mitochondria may reduce the kidney damage that occurs when blood flow is restored after a period of deprivation.

Aging Research

Because mitochondrial dysfunction is a central feature of cellular aging, SS-31 has been studied in the context of age-related decline. Animal studies show improvements in exercise capacity and mitochondrial function in aged rodents. Human aging trials are underway.

📊 What Does The Research Suggest?

Phase 2 trials in heart failure show functional improvements including walking distance.
Improvements in energy and walking capacity in mitochondrial myopathy patients.
Renal protection signals in ischemia-reperfusion preclinical studies.
Strong mechanistic evidence for mitochondrial membrane stabilization.
Multiple completed phase 2 trials — more clinical human data than most mitochondria-targeting peptides.

⚠️ What Should You Know Before Going Deeper?

Phase 2 results in heart failure have been mixed — some trials showed significant improvements and others had more modest outcomes that did not meet all primary endpoints. Larger phase 3 trials would be needed to confirm clinical benefit. SS-31 is not FDA-approved. It requires subcutaneous or IV administration. The cost and logistical requirements of research-grade material are significant considerations.

⚙️ How It Works In The Body

Mitochondria produce energy through a chain of reactions along their inner membrane. The efficiency of this process depends on tight organization of a molecule called cardiolipin, which holds the protein complexes of the energy chain in optimal positions. With aging, disease, or injury, cardiolipin becomes oxidized and disorganized, and the energy chain becomes less efficient, producing more harmful reactive oxygen species as a byproduct. SS-31 selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds to cardiolipin, stabilizing its structure and restoring the organized arrangement of the energy chain. This reduces harmful oxygen species production and restores mitochondrial efficiency.

🛡️ Research Safety Observations

SS-31 has been generally well-tolerated in completed clinical trials. Injection site reactions are the most commonly reported adverse effect. No significant systemic safety signals have emerged in phase 2 trials. It is not FDA-approved. As an investigational compound, use outside of clinical trials carries the uncertainties of a non-approved research peptide.

📋 Research Snapshot

Moderate Evidence

This compound has been studied in Phase 1 or Phase 2 human trials. Evidence is encouraging but more large-scale trials are needed.

Published Research Ranges

0.05–0.25mg/kg in phase 2 trials

Research Context Only: These are ranges reported in published scientific studies for educational reference. They are not dosing recommendations. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

📄 Research Sources

Sources listed here are from the platform research library. All links open the original publication. No citations are generated by AI.

SS-31 (Elamipretide) and the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Peptide: Review of Cardioprotection

Journal of the American Heart Association • 2021 • DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.022359

SS-31 / Elamipretide

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