SS-31

SS-31 Peptide – 10mg
SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with high affinity for mitochondrial membranes. It has been studied extensively for its ability to selectively target cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane, and is of interest in research investigating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and age-related cellular decline.

Overview
SS-31 is designed to penetrate mitochondrial membranes and bind to cardiolipin, where it may stabilize mitochondrial cristae architecture, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and optimize ATP synthesis. Unlike many antioxidants, SS-31 does not act as a free radical scavenger but instead modifies electron transport chain efficiency by supporting mitochondrial integrity.

Research suggests SS-31 may exert beneficial effects in models of neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, skeletal muscle atrophy, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Its small size and cationic, aromatic-rich structure (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) facilitate rapid uptake into mitochondria across a variety of cell types.

Chemical Makeup

• Molecular Formula: C22H38N6O5
• Molecular Weight: 510.6 g/mol
• Amino Acid Sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine)
• Other Known Titles: Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia

Research and Clinical Studies

Mitochondrial Function and Oxidative Stress
Studies demonstrate SS-31’s ability to improve mitochondrial efficiency, reduce ROS generation, and stabilize electron transport chain function. In animal models, it has been shown to preserve ATP levels and reduce oxidative damage to mitochondrial proteins and lipids.

Cardiovascular Research
SS-31 has been evaluated in ischemia-reperfusion injury models, where it improved myocardial cell survival, preserved left ventricular function, and reduced infarct size. It has also been studied in heart failure models, demonstrating enhanced mitochondrial respiration and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Neuroprotection
In preclinical models of neurodegenerative disease, SS-31 treatment was associated with improved neuronal survival, synaptic function, and cognitive performance. Its mitochondrial-targeted action is being explored for potential therapeutic applications in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease research.

Skeletal Muscle and Aging
Animal studies indicate SS-31 improves mitochondrial coupling and exercise tolerance in aged skeletal muscle, with reductions in muscle fatigue and oxidative stress markers.

Kidney and Liver Models
SS-31 has been shown to protect against renal and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by preserving mitochondrial structure and reducing tissue damage.

SS-31 peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Not for human consumption.

References

1. Szeto HH. First-in-class cardiolipin therapeutic peptide to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(8):2029–2050. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24117165/
   
2. Birk AV, et al. The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013;24(8):1250–1261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23766545/
   
3. Zhao K, et al. A novel peptide antioxidant, SS-31, targets mitochondrial inner membrane cardiolipin. Free Radic Biol Med. 2004;36(12):1656–1667. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15182853/
   
4. Szeto HH, et al. Elamipretide (SS-31) improves mitochondrial bioenergetics and cardiac performance. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2011;52(1):88–97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21967812/
   
5. Manczak M, et al. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SS-31 reduces amyloid beta toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease models. Hum Mol Genet. 2010;19(11):1952–1964. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20176672/
   
6. Campbell MD, et al. SS-31 restores skeletal muscle mitochondrial coupling and improves exercise tolerance in aged mice. Aging Cell. 2019;18(3):e12915. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30907784/
   
7. Szeto HH, et al. SS peptides protect mitochondria from oxidative stress and cell death. Free Radic Biol Med. 2011;50(6):720–729. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21172428/
   
8. Birk AV, Szeto HH. Mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants: strategies for neuroprotection. Pharmacol Ther. 2011;131(1):33–40. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21334385/
   
9. Brown DA, et al. Reduction of oxidative damage to mitochondria by SS-31 peptide. Free Radic Biol Med. 2008;45(3):299–306. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18482700/
   
10. Kloner RA, et al. Elamipretide for ischemia/reperfusion injury: a mitochondrial therapeutic approach. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2015;29(6):501–508. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26494551/