SS-31 (Elamipretide)

A Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide for Cellular Energy, Longevity, and Neuroprotection

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Chemical Identity

• Type: Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide

• Amino Acid Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂

• Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₄₄N₈O₅

• Molecular Weight: 639.7 g/mol

• CAS Number: 827306-88-7

• PubChem CID: 24771850

• Synonyms: Elamipretide, Bendavia™, MTP-131, SS-31 peptide, Szeto-Schiller peptide 31

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Overview

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide developed to selectively penetrate and protect mitochondria from oxidative damage.
Originally designed by Dr. Hazel H. Szeto (Cornell University), SS-31 represents a major advancement in mitochondrial-directed therapeutics — a class of molecules engineered to restore bioenergetic health and reduce cellular degeneration.

SS-31 binds directly to cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing its structure and improving electron transport efficiency.
This action enhances ATP synthesis, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and prevents mitochondrial-driven apoptosis, protecting cells from metabolic and age-related stress.

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Mechanism of Action

🔋 1. Mitochondrial Protection and Bioenergetic Restoration

SS-31 selectively accumulates in mitochondria, binding to cardiolipin and preventing its oxidation.
This stabilizes the respiratory chain complexes, reduces electron leakage, and promotes efficient oxidative phosphorylation — directly improving cellular energy production.

⚡ 2. Reduction of Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress

The peptide acts as a selective antioxidant, scavenging excess ROS without disturbing essential redox signaling.
By doing so, SS-31 reduces inflammation, inhibits pyroptosis (inflammatory cell death), and maintains mitochondrial membrane potential.

❤️ 3. Cardioprotection and Vascular Health

SS-31 has demonstrated strong cardioprotective effects, reducing ischemic injury, enhancing microcirculation, and improving endothelial function.
Animal models show significant decreases in infarct size and improved myocardial contractility following ischemic events.

🧠 4. Neuroprotection and Cognitive Support

In neuronal models, SS-31 mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction and protects against amyloid-induced neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and synaptic degradation.
These properties position it as a promising therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and age-related cognitive decline.

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Preclinical Research

🧪 In Vitro Studies

• Cell models: cardiac, renal, and neuronal cultures under oxidative stress
  Results:

• Reduced ROS and lipid peroxidation

• Restored mitochondrial membrane potential

• Enhanced activity of cytochrome oxidase and ATP synthase

🧍‍♂️ In Vivo Animal Models

• Models: myocardial ischemia, renal injury, age-related myopathy, neurodegeneration
  Findings:

• Improved mitochondrial respiration and energy turnover

• Reduced inflammation and apoptotic signaling

• Preservation of organ function under oxidative and ischemic stress

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Clinical Studies

Elamipretide (SS-31) has undergone multiple Phase II and III clinical trials in the United States and Europe, demonstrating mitochondrial restoration and functional improvements in diverse conditions:

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Key Research Areas

Current studies continue to expand the therapeutic potential of SS-31 in:

• 🔋 Mitochondrial and metabolic disorders

• 🧠 Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)

• ❤️ Cardioprotection and ischemic recovery

• 👁️ Ophthalmic mitochondrial disorders (AMD, LHON)

• 💪 Muscle aging, sarcopenia, and mitochondrial fatigue

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Biological Significance

SS-31 is unique among antioxidants because it restores mitochondrial structure and function, rather than merely neutralizing free radicals.
By targeting the cardiolipin-rich inner mitochondrial membrane, it preserves the cell’s power plants — maintaining efficient energy production, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing inflammation-driven degeneration.

This makes SS-31 one of the leading molecules in the emerging field of mitochondrial medicine.

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Scientific Outlook

Ongoing research suggests SS-31 could redefine the approach to cellular longevity and mitochondrial health.
It shows synergistic potential when combined with MOTS-c, NAD⁺, and PQQ, forming the backbone of advanced bioenergetic and longevity protocols.

Future directions include:

• Integrative use in neuroregenerative and anti-aging protocols

• Clinical development for post-ischemic recovery and chronic fatigue syndromes

• Exploration in metabolic optimization and cognitive enhancement

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⚠️ Disclaimer

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is supplied for research and laboratory purposes only.
It is not intended for human or veterinary use, and not approved for diagnosis, treatment, or disease prevention.

Product Use: THIS PRODUCT IS STRICTLY FOR
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. It should only be used in laboratory
settings. All product information on this website is provided solely for
educational purposes. The law strictly prohibits introducing this product into
the body of humans or animals. Only licensed professionals should handle this
product. This product is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and should not be
improperly classified or used as such.