Longevity

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Tetrapeptide · Mitochondria-targeting · 4 amino acids

FDA · PHASE 2/3 TRIALS

Half-life

~4.5 hours

Short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Clinical trial data

Risk

Standard

Overview

Known for

Mitochondria-targeted peptide. Penetrates and concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Reduces oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial efficiency, and protects against age-related mitochondrial decline. Being studied for heart failure and mitochondrial diseases.

Mechanism

Mitochondria-targeted peptide — penetrates inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizes cardiolipin, improves electron transport chain efficiency. "Mitochondrial medicine."

Key facts

Format
Lyophilized powder
Mechanism targets
Classification
Active
Supply & nature
ExogenousExogenous
FDA category
Phase 2/3 trials

Evidence & standing

Evidence base
Clinical trial data
Risk level
Standard
Clinical phase
Phase 3
Best studies
5 references
  • Szeto (2014) Br J Pharmacol 171:2029-50 — Mitochondrial targeting
  • TANGO Phase 3: Barth Syndrome (NCT03098797)
  • Stealth BioTherapeutics development
  • NOT YET FDA APPROVED — Failed primary endpoint in Barth Syndrome trial but further trials ongoing
  • Promising mechanism but clinical translation challenging

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose
0.5-5mg/day
Research range
0.01–0.25 mg/kg
Cycle
4 weeks on / 4 weeks off
Onset
10 days first effects
Full effect
70 days
Half-life
~3-6h
~3-6 hours (estimated)
Protocol

0.5-5mg/day SubQ. Clinical trials used 4mg/day and 40mg IV.

Time to effects

EARLY: 1-2 weeks

FULL: 8-12 weeks

Week 1-2: Subtle energy improvements as mitochondrial function enhances.

Week 2-4: Improved exercise tolerance. Better recovery. Reduced fatigue.

Week 4-8: Noticeable improvements in cardiovascular endurance and cellular energy.

Week 8-12: Full mitochondrial optimisation.

Effects are subtle and cumulative. Most noticeable in individuals with compromised mitochondrial function or age-related decline. Minimum commitment: 8 weeks.

Recommended vial
  • 10mg for trials, 50mg for protocols

At 2mg/day, 10mg = 5 days ✓. 50mg = 25 days ✓. Both within shelf life. 50mg better value for committed protocols.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility
Fully Reversible
Side effects

Injection site reactions (most common), headache, dizziness. TANGO trial: generally well tolerated.

Interactions

Unknown — limited drug interaction data. Theoretically could interact with mitochondrial toxins (aminoglycosides, NRTIs).

Handle with research caution

No strict contraindications with other peptides on this list.

Storage & handling

Lyophilised
12–24 months
2–8°C
Reconstituted
4–6 weeks
2–8°C

Videos & talks

Independent educational content from researchers, clinicians and science communicators — not affiliated with Pepnerd.

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