The Definitive Peptide Research Reference Guide — Compound Review

Back to Research Guide
Longevity Research
Research Purposes Only

SS-31

Cardiolipin Stabilization & Mitochondrial Cristae Restoration

SS-31 (Elamipretide) — Mitochondria-Targeted Tetrapeptide

Research Purposes Only. SS-31 is supplied by Purgo Labs strictly for qualified laboratory research use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, nor for diagnostic, therapeutic, or cosmetic application. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Overview

What is SS-31?

SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide or MTP-131) is a tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds cardiolipin — a phospholipid essential for electron transport chain function. By stabilizing cardiolipin and restoring cristae architecture, SS-31 improves mitochondrial efficiency, reduces ROS production, and has demonstrated cardioprotective effects in Phase II clinical trials for heart failure.

Composition

Molecular Composition

Amino Acid Sequence
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2

SS-31 is a 4-amino-acid tetrapeptide with an alternating aromatic-cationic motif (D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2). The dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) residue provides antioxidant activity, while the cationic residues (D-Arg, Lys) drive electrostatic concentration in the inner mitochondrial membrane, achieving 1,000-fold enrichment relative to cytoplasm.

Mechanism of Action

How Does It Work?

SS-31 concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane via electrostatic interactions, where it binds cardiolipin — a phospholipid that anchors electron transport chain complexes. By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 maintains optimal cristae architecture and ETC complex conformation, improving ATP synthesis efficiency and reducing electron leak (and consequent ROS generation).

"SS-31 targets the inner mitochondrial membrane and restores mitochondrial function by stabilizing cardiolipin, reducing ROS, and improving ATP production." — Szeto, Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 2014
So What Does This Actually Mean?
Plain English summary — no PhD required

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a 4-amino-acid peptide that acts as a precision tool for mitochondrial repair, targeting cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has completed Phase II clinical trials for heart failure and is in Phase III for Barth syndrome.

What It Does

SS-31 concentrates 1,000-fold in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cardiolipin and the electron transport chain complexes that produce ATP. This reduces ROS production, improves energy output, and protects against mitochondrial dysfunction.

Why It Matters

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging and a driver of heart failure and neurodegeneration. SS-31 concentrates at the exact site of ROS generation — a precision that conventional antioxidants lack.

The Bottom Line

SS-31 is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide with Phase II/III clinical trial data for heart failure. Its cardiolipin-stabilizing mechanism and demonstrated ability to reverse age-related mitochondrial decline make it one of the most scientifically rigorous anti-aging research compounds available.

Signaling Pathways

Key Research Pathways

Cardiolipin Stabilization / Cristae Architecture

Binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cristae structure and maintaining optimal conformation of electron transport chain complexes for efficient ATP synthesis.

ROS Scavenging / Mitochondrial Antioxidant Defense

Reduces mitochondrial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production by preventing electron leak from the electron transport chain.

Ischemia-Reperfusion Protection

Protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential and preventing mPTP opening during reperfusion.

Research Highlights

Key Findings from the Literature

  • Phase II clinical trials completed for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
  • Phase III trials ongoing for Barth syndrome (rare mitochondrial cardiomyopathy)
  • Reversed age-related decline in skeletal muscle function in old mice (Science, 2020)
  • 1,000-fold concentration in inner mitochondrial membrane vs. cytoplasm
  • Reduces mitochondrial ROS by stabilizing cardiolipin and preventing electron leak
Researcher Notes

Important Research Context

SS-31 (Elamipretide) has completed Phase II clinical trials for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and is in Phase III trials for Barth syndrome. A landmark 2020 study in Science demonstrated that SS-31 reversed age-related decline in skeletal muscle function in old mice.

SS-31

Longevity Research

From $54.99

≥99% purity · Third-party tested

5mg
Standard
$54.99
10mg
Best Value
$99.99
10% OFF
Buy SS-31 at Purgo Labs

Use code Health for 15% off

Fast FedEx shipping · 60-day guarantee

Technical Specifications

Peptide ClassSzeto-Schiller tetrapeptide (4 amino acids)
Molecular Weight639.8 Da
Regulatory StatusPhase II/III clinical trials (heart failure, Barth syndrome)
Available Sizes5mg, 10mg vials
FormLyophilized powder
Purity≥99% (third-party tested)
Legal Status
Research Chemical

View full legal status guide →

Ready to Source SS-31?

Purgo Labs offers SS-31 with ≥99% purity, third-party certificates of analysis, and fast FedEx shipping. This is an affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Purchase SS-31 at Purgo Labs

Medical Disclaimer: All content on this site is for educational and research purposes only. Research peptides are not FDA-approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide or supplement protocol. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.