SS-31

A cell-permeable tetrapeptide that concentrates in mitochondria and binds cardiolipin to stabilize energy production.

01Overview

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a Szeto–Schiller peptide engineered to accumulate on the inner mitochondrial membrane, independent of membrane potential.

It has been evaluated clinically for mitochondrial and cardiac conditions, making it one of the more clinically advanced peptides in this class.

02Mechanism

• Selectively binds cardiolipin, a phospholipid essential to inner-membrane architecture.
• Stabilizes the electron transport chain and protects cristae structure.
• Reduces excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), improving the efficiency of ATP synthesis.

03Research uses

• Mitochondrial-dysfunction research
• Cardiac and ischemia-reperfusion models
• Age-related bioenergetic-decline studies

04Key findings

• Improves mitochondrial respiration and reduces oxidative stress in preclinical models.
• Clinical programs have targeted primary mitochondrial myopathy and heart failure with mixed endpoint results.
• Frequently paired conceptually with MOTS-c and CoQ10 in bioenergetic research.

05Handling & reconstitution

• Supplied lyophilized as a white powder.
• Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; swirl gently.
• Store lyophilized cold; protect reconstituted solution from light and heat.