Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31
Elamipretide · Bendavia · MTP-131
What it is
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a four-amino-acid peptide that selectively targets mitochondria. It binds cardiolipin, a key inner-membrane lipid that's damaged by oxidative stress with aging. Developed by Stealth BioTherapeutics; in late-stage clinical trials for Barth syndrome, primary mitochondrial myopathy, and dry age-related macular degeneration.
How it works
Stabilizes cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, restoring proper electron transport chain function and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) leakage. Result: more ATP, less oxidative damage, restored mitochondrial efficiency.
Benefits
- Restored mitochondrial function in damaged tissue
- Increased exercise capacity
- Reduced oxidative stress
- Studied for heart failure, kidney disease, mitochondrial myopathies
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
Timeline
- Week 1–2
- Possible energy improvements; subtle.
- Week 4–8
- Improved exercise tolerance.
- Month 3+
- Cumulative mitochondrial repair effects.
Dosing & titration
Standard dose3–5 mg subQ daily
Trial dose40 mg/day in some Phase 3 studies
Cycle length8–12 weeks
When to titrate upStart low; this peptide is expensive and benefits are subtle. Limited dose-response data outside trial settings.
Side effects & risks
- Generally well tolerated in trials
- Mild injection site reactions
- Rare: GI upset
- Long-term safety still being established
Most useful for established mitochondrial dysfunction. Healthy users may not see dramatic effects.
Typical price
$300–$600/moAmong the more expensive peptides. Limited compounding availability.
Studies
- Search PubMed for elamipretide / SS-31 — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
- Karaa A et al. MMPOWER-3 trial of elamipretide for primary mitochondrial myopathy — Phase 3 results. PubMedNeurology, 2022
Educational reference only. Not medical advice.