🧬 SS-31 – Research Overview
0. Category:
Anti-Aging / Longevity, Metabolic Health, Neuroprotection, Healing & Recovery, Inflammation Control
1. Primary Research Use:
SS-31 is investigated as a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane to stabilize cristae, improve ATP production, and reduce oxidative stress. It has been studied in primary mitochondrial myopathy (PMM), Barth syndrome cardiomyopathy, and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
2. Simple Analogy:
Think of SS-31 as a structural engineer for your mitochondria. It reinforces the architectural framework of the inner membrane—like stabilizing the beams and scaffolding of a building—so the mitochondria can maintain their shape, stay resilient under stress, and keep producing energy efficiently.
3. What It Is (Chemical Summary):
A cell-permeable tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg–Dmt–Lys–Phe-NH₂ (Dmt = 2’,6’-dimethyl-tyrosine). Its alternating cationic–aromatic motif targets the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it associates with cardiolipin to support electron transport chain supercomplexes and membrane integrity.
4. Best Suited For:
Commonly explored by researchers studying mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g., PMM, Barth syndrome), age-related energy decline, cardiac/renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and retinal degenerations that involve mitochondrial stress.
5. Not Recommended For / Caution In Research With:
Use caution in studies involving pregnancy/breastfeeding (insufficient safety data). Monitor for injection-site reactions and mild systemic effects (headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue) noted across trials; most have been transient and mild.
6. Synergistic Peptide Stacks:
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MOTS-c: Activates AMPK and supports mitochondrial biogenesis—complements SS-31’s membrane-stabilizing, ROS-lowering actions.
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Humanin (and analogs): Another mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for cytoprotection; pairs conceptually with SS-31 in stress-prone tissues.
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NAD⁺ boosters / exercise-mimetics (e.g., SLU-PP-332): May stack for broader support of respiration and metabolic flexibility (gene-level + membrane-level). (Conceptual, research-only rationale.)
7. Common Dosing Guidelines (Research Use):
(Anchored to human trials using 40 mg once-daily SC.)
| Experience Level | Common Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 1-2 mg per day |
| Intermediate | 3-4 mg per day |
| Advanced | 5 mg per day |
8. Cycling Information:
Research protocols often employ continuous daily administration for 12–24 weeks; some programs have evaluated long-term use (e.g., 168-week open-label extension in Barth syndrome) with sustained tolerability and functional signals.
9. Similar Peptides & Comparison Chart:
| Peptide / Agent | Mechanism | Duration / Half-life* | Dosing Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Binds cardiolipin, stabilizes cristae, ↓ROS, ↑ATP | Short (hours) | Daily (SC; IV in some studies) | Studied in PMM, Barth, AMD; well-tolerated; SC 40 mg/day in trials. PMC+2PMC+2 |
| MOTS-c | AMPK activation; metabolic signaling | Short | 2–7×/wk (varies by protocol) | Metabolic/mitochondrial peptide explored for exercise-like effects. |
| Humanin (HNG) | Cytoprotective signaling; anti-apoptotic | Short | Intermittent | Investigational for neuro/cardioprotection under stress. |
| CoQ10 / NAD⁺ (non-peptide) | ETC cofactor / redox cofactor support | Long / variable | Daily (oral) | Complementary systemic mitochondrial support. |
*Approximate/qualitative where human PK is limited in public sources.
10. Method of Administration:
-
Subcutaneous injection (abdomen or thigh), once daily—the most common route in late-phase trials. 30-60 minutes before training. Rotate sites to limit local reactions.
11. Regulatory Status (FDA Approval):
SS-31 (elamipretide) is not FDA-approved. It remains investigational, with completed/ongoing studies in PMM and Barth syndrome and active Phase 3 development in dry AMD (ReNEW).
12. Legal Disclaimer:
All products discussed are intended for laboratory, scientific, and research purposes only. These products are not approved by the FDA for human or veterinary use and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They must not be used for any form of medical application or personal use.
The information presented is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making decisions regarding your health.
By accessing or purchasing these materials, you affirm that you are a qualified researcher or are acting under the supervision of one. All sales are final.
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