SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, MTP-131 or Bendavia, is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide.

Unlike most peptides, SS-31 does not primarily interact with a cell-surface receptor. Instead, it rapidly enters cells and selectively accumulates within mitochondria, where it binds cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Because cardiolipin is essential for maintaining mitochondrial architecture and efficient ATP production, SS-31 has become one of the leading investigational peptides for research into mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and cellular energy metabolism.

Why SS-31 is widely investigated

Published research has investigated SS-31 in relation to:

mitochondrial repair
cellular energy production
ATP synthesis
oxidative stress
muscle physiology
healthy aging
cardiovascular research
neurodegeneration
mitochondrial disease

Unlike metabolic peptides that regulate cellular signalling, SS-31 directly targets the physical structure of mitochondria, making it unique among modern research peptides.

How SS-31 works

Cardiolipin stabilisation

SS-31 selectively binds cardiolipin, an essential phospholipid located within the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Cardiolipin plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial cristae structure and supporting the electron transport chain. Under conditions of oxidative stress, cardiolipin becomes damaged, reducing mitochondrial efficiency. Published research suggests SS-31 helps stabilise this membrane environment and preserve mitochondrial function.

Cellular energy production

By preserving mitochondrial structure, SS-31 has been investigated for improving the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation and ATP generation. Rather than stimulating mitochondria to produce more energy, SS-31 appears to help dysfunctional mitochondria produce energy more efficiently.

Oxidative stress

Numerous preclinical studies have investigated SS-31 for reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and limiting oxidative damage associated with impaired mitochondrial function.

Tissue protection

Because mitochondria influence virtually every organ system, SS-31 has been investigated across cardiovascular, neurological, renal and skeletal muscle research, making it one of the broadest mitochondrial peptides currently available.

Why SS-31 is different from other mitochondrial peptides

Not all mitochondrial peptides investigate the same biology.

MOTS-c investigates how cells regulate energy metabolism by activating adaptive metabolic signalling pathways.

SS-31 investigates how mitochondria physically produce energy by stabilising the inner mitochondrial membrane and preserving electron transport chain function.

Rather than changing metabolic signalling, SS-31 focuses on maintaining the mitochondrial machinery itself.

This distinction has made SS-31 one of the most important investigational peptides for mitochondrial biology and healthy aging research.

Human and preclinical research

SS-31 has progressed further into clinical development than many research peptides.

Human studies have investigated SS-31 in primary mitochondrial disease, Barth syndrome, heart failure, kidney injury and ophthalmic disorders, while extensive preclinical research has explored its effects on skeletal muscle, neurodegeneration, ischemia-reperfusion injury and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.

Although clinical results have varied by indication, SS-31 remains one of the best-characterised mitochondria-targeting peptides currently under investigation.

Published safety observations

SS-31 has undergone multiple clinical studies across several disease areas.

Published trials have generally reported favourable tolerability, with adverse events typically mild to moderate. Clinical efficacy has varied depending on the condition under investigation, highlighting the complexity of mitochondrial diseases and the need for continued research.

Product characteristics

Application: laboratory and analytical research
Use restriction: not for human consumption; not for medical, veterinary or cosmetic use
Produced in GMP-compliant facilities under strict QC protocols.
Each batch carefully lab tested after production (you can find Certificate of Analysis under product pictures).
Freeze-dried (lyophilized) for maximum stability and extended shelf life.
Sealed in sterile vials, ready for reconstitution.
Purity: ≥ 99.88% , HPLC tested.
Appearance: white lyophilized powder
Molecular formula: C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular weight: 639.79

Storage: unopened lyophilized vials are best stored refrigerated at 2–8°C, which is the storage method confirmed by our manufacturing partner and suitable for up to 24 months. Refrigeration is preferred because it minimizes unnecessary freeze–thaw cycles during routine handling. If substantially longer-term storage is required, unopened lyophilized vials may also be kept frozen. Once reconstituted, always store at 2–8°C and do not freeze.

Reconstitution and handling

SS-31 is supplied as a lyophilised vial and should be handled using standard peptide reconstitution procedures appropriate to the research setting. Must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. To help preserve structural integrity, add the chosen solvent slowly against the inside wall of the vial rather than directly onto the peptide cake, and avoid vigorous shaking. Gentle swirling is generally sufficient once the peptide has fully dissolved. Standard laboratory practice also includes allowing refrigerated vials to reach room temperature before reconstitution to minimise condensation inside the vial.

For other solvent selection, concentration planning and storage guidance, see the full Peptide Reconstitution Guide and Reconstitution Calculator.

Selected research references

Wang Y, et al. Elamipretide: A Review of Its Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Therapeutic Potential, Life, 2025

A comprehensive review covering SS-31’s mechanism, cardiolipin binding, mitochondrial bioenergetics and clinical development.

Liu Y, et al. Application Research of Novel Peptide Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant SS-31 in Mitigating Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Redox Report, 2024

A detailed review of SS-31’s mechanisms and analysis of 18 clinical trials across mitochondrial disorders and related diseases.

Chatfield KC, et al. Elamipretide Improves Mitochondrial Function in the Failing Human Heart, JACC: Basic to Translational Science, 2019

Demonstrates improvements in mitochondrial function in human heart tissue and supports SS-31’s cardiolipin-targeted mechanism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SS-31?

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide that selectively targets mitochondria by binding cardiolipin within the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is widely investigated for mitochondrial repair, cellular energy production and healthy aging research.

Why is SS-31 called a mitochondrial repair peptide?

Unlike most peptides that activate cell-surface receptors, SS-31 directly targets the inner mitochondrial membrane. Research suggests it helps preserve mitochondrial structure, improve bioenergetics and reduce oxidative stress in dysfunctional mitochondria.

How is SS-31 different from MOTS-c?

Both investigate mitochondrial biology, but MOTS-c primarily regulates metabolic signalling, whereas SS-31 focuses on the physical integrity and efficiency of the mitochondrial energy-producing machinery. They investigate complementary aspects of mitochondrial function.

What research areas commonly investigate SS-31?

Current research includes mitochondrial disease, cardiovascular physiology, skeletal muscle function, neurodegeneration, kidney injury, metabolic disorders and healthy aging.

Is SS-31 one of the more clinically studied peptides?

Yes. Compared with many research peptides, SS-31 has advanced into multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical programmes across several mitochondrial-related diseases, making it one of the best-studied mitochondrial peptides currently available.

Is this product intended for human use?

No. SS-31 supplied by LIFE Peptide is intended strictly for laboratory and analytical research. It is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease.

Related research context

SS-31 is frequently discussed alongside other research peptides investigating cellular energy, recovery and healthy aging, although each targets a different level of cellular physiology.

MOTS-c – investigated for metabolic signalling, exercise adaptation and mitochondrial communication.
Epitalon – studied for telomere biology, circadian regulation and healthy aging.
GHK-Cu – investigated for tissue repair, extracellular matrix remodelling and regenerative biology.
ARA-290 – focuses on innate tissue repair, inflammatory signalling and nerve regeneration.
CJC-1295 with DAC – investigated for sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 signalling that supports anabolic physiology.

Although these peptides are frequently associated with longevity and recovery research, SS-31 stands apart through its direct action on mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics rather than hormonal or metabolic signalling.

NOTE: This is for educational reference only and does not constitute medical advice.

Disclaimer
This product is sold for research purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Buyer assumes full responsibility for proper handling and use.

Oxidative stress

SS-31 / 10 mg