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SS-31

Longevity
·640 Da·4 amino acids·C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅
Peptide Database
4Mechanisms
5Benefits
25Studies
3Dosages

SS-31 (Szeto-Schiller peptide 31) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Bhatt Schiller at Weill Cornell Medicine. Elamipretide is the clinical name adopted by Stealth BioTherapeutics for development as a therapeutic for mitochondrial diseases.

SequenceDArg-Dmt-Lys-Phe
Research Dosage Notes

Clinical trial dosing: 40 mg/day subcutaneous injection (Barth syndrome TAZPOWER trial). Heart failure trials tested 4 mg and 40 mg daily subcutaneous. IV infusion studied at 0.01-0.25 mg/kg/hour over 4 hours. Well-tolerated across a wide dose range. Research context dosing typically ranges from 0.5-5 mg/day subcutaneous. Injection site reactions are the most common side effect.

Mechanisms of Action

4

Cardiolipin binding and cristae stabilization

Strong

Selectively binds to cardiolipin, a phospholipid found exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This stabilizes mitochondrial cristae structure and improves membrane integrity, optimizing the organization of electron transport chain complexes.

Mitochondrial inner membrane / cardiolipin

Electron transport chain optimization

Strong

By stabilizing cardiolipin-dependent supercomplex assembly, enhances electron transport chain efficiency and oxidative phosphorylation (ATP production), reducing electron leak.

Oxidative phosphorylation / ETC

Reactive oxygen species reduction

Strong

Reduces mitochondrial ROS production by improving electron transport efficiency and preventing electron leak at complexes I and III, rather than acting as a direct free radical scavenger.

Mitochondrial ROS production

Mitochondrial membrane potential restoration

Strong

Electrostatically attracted to the highly negative potential of the inner mitochondrial membrane due to its positive charges, concentrating at the site of action and restoring membrane potential in dysfunctional mitochondria.

Mitochondrial membrane potential

Benefits

5
90

Barth syndrome treatment

Longevity

TAZPOWER trial showed significant improvements in 6-minute walk test (+95.9 m) and symptom scores at 36 weeks. FDA advisory committee endorsed efficacy in 2024. FDA approved for Barth syndrome treatment in 2025.

Strong
85

Mitochondrial function restoration

Longevity

Restores mitochondrial bioenergetics in cells with mitochondrial dysfunction, improving ATP production and reducing oxidative stress across multiple tissue types.

Strong
65

Cardiac function support

Longevity

Studied in heart failure trials (phase 2). Improves cardiac mitochondrial morphology and defective mitophagy. Tested at 4 mg and 40 mg daily subcutaneous doses in heart failure patients.

Moderate
60

Cellular energy enhancement

Longevity

Optimizes ATP production by improving electron transport chain efficiency, potentially benefiting age-related mitochondrial decline and exercise performance.

Moderate
45

Neuroprotection

Cognitive

Preclinical studies suggest neuroprotective effects through mitochondrial stabilization in neuronal cells, with potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases.

Emerging

Dosage Data

3
25
Human

Study: This study aimed to assess the effect and mechanism of SS31 on cisplatin-induced... Year: 2020

10
Human

Study: This study aimed to assess the effect and mechanism of SS31 on cisplatin-induced... Year: 2020

3
Human

Study: Sarcopenia and exercise intolerance are major contributors to reduced quality of... Year: 2019

Research Studies

25
2025

Targeting mitochondrial ferroptosis presents a promising strategy for mitigating myocardial ischemia...

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · Hao Zheng, Jinbo Ou, Hui Han, Qizheng Lu, Yunli Shen

2025

Mitochondria serve an essential metabolic and energetic role in cellular activity, and their dysfunc...

International journal of molecular sciences · Cheryl Tung, Fahimeh Varzideh, Emanuele Farroni, Pasquale Mo...

2024

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a prevalent multifactorial ocular disease characterized by a vicious cycle ...

Journal of nanobiotechnology · Yuanyou Xia, Yu Zhang, Yangrui Du, Zhigang Wang, Long Cheng

2024

Due to the pivotal role of mitochondria in the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the re...

Mitochondrion · Xinrong Du, Qin Zeng, Yunchang Luo, Libing He, Yuhong Zhao

2024

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for several oral diseases, including oral cancer, oral leu...

Chemico-biological interactions · Pei Ye, Hong Liu, Yao Qin, Zhiyuan Li, Zhuwei Huang

This database is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

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