SS-31

SS-31 — Elamipretide Mitochondria-Targeted Research Peptide

SS-31 (elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia) is a synthetic tetrapeptide designed specifically to concentrate in the inner mitochondrial membrane and bind cardiolipin – a phospholipid found almost exclusively in mitochondria. It was developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller in the 2000s as part of a class called “Szeto-Schiller” peptides (the “SS” designation). SS-31 is the reference mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide in mitochondrial-medicine research because its cardiolipin-binding mechanism is structurally protective rather than transcriptional – it stabilizes the electron transport chain in place rather than signaling for mitochondrial biogenesis.

Why the Cardiolipin-Binding Mechanism Matters

Cardiolipin is the phospholipid that anchors cytochrome c and scaffolds the respiratory complexes inside the inner mitochondrial membrane. When cardiolipin becomes peroxidized (common under oxidative stress and in aging tissues), the electron transport chain becomes leaky – more reactive oxygen species (ROS) escape, and ATP production drops. SS-31 selectively binds intact cardiolipin, stabilizing the membrane architecture that holds the respiratory chain together. That mechanism is what distinguishes SS-31 from every other mitochondrial-axis research compound.

SS-31 vs Other Mitochondrial-Axis Compounds

The mitochondrial-axis research toolkit has a small group of compounds. They act through different mechanisms – SS-31 is structurally protective; MOTS-c and SLU-PP-332 are signaling-based.

Forschungsanwendungen

SS-31 is used in studies examining:

• Cardiolipin binding and inner-membrane stabilization endpoints
• Ischemia-reperfusion injury research (cardiac and renal models)
• Barth syndrome and primary mitochondrial disease models
• ROS generation and oxidative stress research
• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) endpoints
• Age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and skeletal muscle research

Technische Daten

Rekonstitution

SS-31 arrives as a freeze-dried powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water:

Gesamtmenge in mg im Fläschchen ÷ hinzugefügte Wassermenge in ml = mg pro ml

Example: a 10mg vial + 2mL of bacteriostatic water = 5mg per mL. A 50mg vial + 5mL = 10mg per mL.

Nach der Zubereitung bei 2–8 °C lagern und innerhalb von 28–30 Tagen verbrauchen.

Anmerkungen zum Protokoll

The following values are reference points extracted from published SS-31 / elamipretide research – not instructions. Published clinical work in Barth syndrome and cardiac endpoints has used daily subcutaneous administration over multi-week windows.

• Dose range reported in the literature: 5-40mg per administration (clinical trial range)
• Administration frequency in published studies: Daily subcutaneous
• Study durations reported: 4-48 weeks in cardiac and primary mitochondrial disease trials

Common Questions About SS-31 Research

What is SS-31 used for in research?

It is studied as the reference mitochondria-targeted cardiolipin-binding peptide. Published work covers inner-membrane stabilization, ischemia-reperfusion injury, Barth syndrome and primary mitochondrial disease, ROS generation, heart failure endpoints, and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.

What is the difference between SS-31 and elamipretide?

They are the same compound. SS-31 is the research designation (Szeto-Schiller peptide 31). Elamipretide is the generic drug name used in clinical development. MTP-131 and Bendavia are earlier development codes. All refer to the same tetrapeptide.

How does SS-31 compare to MOTS-c?

Both are studied for mitochondrial endpoints but through different mechanisms. SS-31 is a nuclear-encoded synthetic peptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilizes the electron transport chain (structural protection). MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-encoded peptide that activates AMPK and modulates cellular energy metabolism (signaling). SS-31 preserves existing mitochondrial function; MOTS-c shifts metabolic state.

Is SS-31 FDA approved?

No. SS-31 (elamipretide) is in active clinical development and has received FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for Barth syndrome, but it is not yet an approved drug product. Every vial WWP ships is labeled and sold strictly for laboratory and research use only.

How is SS-31 stored?

Ungeöffnete Fläschchen werden bei 2–8 °C gelagert und sind mindestens 12 Monate haltbar. Nach der Rekonstitution mit bakteriostatischem Wasser wird die Lösung bei 2–8 °C aufbewahrt und innerhalb von 28–30 Tagen verbraucht.

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