SS-31
Also known as: Elamipretide, Bendavia, MTP-131
Quick summary
A small tetrapeptide that targets mitochondria. Research focus: mitochondrial bioenergetics, cardiolipin interaction and mitochondrial myopathy trials. This page leads with SRP's low-and-slow starting dose.
Amino acid sequence (one-letter code): RFKF
Overview
A small tetrapeptide that targets mitochondria. It concentrates on the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin. It has gone through clinical trials in mitochondrial disorders.
Looking for research material? Simple Research Peptides lists SS-31 (Elamipretide) Research Vials, 10 mg & 50 mg for laboratory research use.
Mechanism
A tetrapeptide that concentrates on the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, helping keep the electron transport chain organized.
Research areas
- mitochondrial bioenergetics
- cardiolipin interaction
- mitochondrial myopathy trials
Storage & reconstitution
Typically supplied as a lyophilized powder; keep sealed vials cold (refrigerated short term, frozen for long-term holding) and away from light. Laboratories commonly reconstitute with bacteriostatic or sterile water, swirling gently rather than shaking, and keep the solution refrigerated, using it within a few weeks.
Recommended starting dose (low and slow)
| Starting dose | Reports differ widely: begin at 5 mg per day; lists community amounts from 1 mg to 20 mg per day and the clinical trial dose of 40 mg per day. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Reported schedules: daily or every other day; 5–10mg daily; Daily. |
| Reconstitution | Examples: 10 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 5 mg/mL; 10mg vial + 1mL isotonic diluent (as listed). Different water volumes can be used; that only changes the draw volume, not the amount of peptide. storage note: Reconstituted: refrigerate, used within 4 weeks. |
Studied higher doses
Studies have used doses up to the amounts below. Higher doses can be dangerous. Whether a person can reach them safely depends on height, weight, activity level, training and pre-existing conditions. We recommend following the lower starting dose above, and contacting SRP with any questions.
| Highest amount reported in studies | 40 mg per day subcutaneously in the 24-week MMPOWER-3 trial (Neurology 2023, confirmed; the trial did not meet its primary endpoints). stops at 20 mg at 10 mg - conflict with the trial dose. |
|---|
Route and timing
Route: Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols.
Timing: Pending - to be added by SRP
Cycle length and repeat
Pending - to be added by SRP
Half-life
Approximate, for Bobby's review: Not well characterized in published research.
Side effects
Pending - to be added by SRP
Suggested bloodwork and monitoring
Draft, for Bobby's review: CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney and liver function, electrolytes) before starting and again after a few weeks.
Cautions
Pending - to be added by SRP
Reconstitution calculator
Math aid only. It converts the numbers you enter; it is not dosing advice. For research use only. Prefilled with this page's vial size, reconstitution and low-and-slow starting dose where known; change any value.
Frequently asked questions
What is SS-31 studied for?
In research it is studied for mitochondrial bioenergetics, cardiolipin interaction and mitochondrial myopathy trials. A tetrapeptide that concentrates on the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, helping keep the electron transport chain organized.
How is SS-31 given in research?
Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols. See the dosing frequency block on this page for how often.
What amount should a researcher start with?
This page lists SRP's low-and-slow starting dose in the Recommended starting dose section. Higher amounts that appear in studies are listed separately with their safety context. Start with the lower dose and contact SRP with any questions.
Related peptides
Last updated: October 19, 2026