Elamipretide (SS-31)
Also referred to as: SS-31, MTP-131, Bendavia
A peptide that targets the cell's power plants (mitochondria) to support their function. One of the more clinically studied research peptides.
In plain terms: Elamipretide (also called SS-31) is a peptide built to home in on mitochondria — the "power plants" inside cells — and help them work better. It has been tested fairly seriously in people for rare mitochondrial diseases, though it is not broadly approved.
- Name
- Elamipretide (SS-31)
- Aliases
- SS-31, MTP-131, Bendavia
- Classification
- Mitochondria-targeting peptide
- Areas studied
- Mitochondrial function, Energy production, Heart & muscle (studied)
What it is
Elamipretide (SS-31) is a lab-made peptide designed to concentrate inside mitochondria, the structures that produce a cell's energy. The idea is to support mitochondria when they are damaged or aging.
It has one of the larger human research records among research peptides, mostly in rare diseases where mitochondria malfunction.
Mechanism
Elamipretide latches onto cardiolipin, a fat found in the inner wall of mitochondria. By stabilizing that wall, it is studied for helping mitochondria keep their structure, make energy (ATP) more efficiently, and produce fewer harmful byproducts.
This has been studied in cells, animals, and human clinical trials.
Areas studied & investigated
The categories below summarize where Elamipretide (SS-31) appears in the research literature. They describe what the compound is studied for and investigated in — not approved uses, and not guidance for any kind of use.
Mitochondrial function
Studied for stabilizing the inner wall of mitochondria so they work better.
Energy production
Looked at for helping cells produce energy (ATP) more efficiently.
Heart & muscle (studied)
Studied in trials for heart failure and mitochondrial muscle diseases.
Aging (studied)
Explored in research on age-related mitochondrial decline.
Research history
Elamipretide was developed at Weill Cornell from research into mitochondria-targeting peptides. It has moved through multiple registered clinical trials, including for mitochondrial myopathy and rare conditions like Barth syndrome.
State of the literature
Elamipretide has a substantial clinical research record, with mixed late-stage results. It is not broadly approved, though it has been studied and pursued for specific rare diseases. Research continues.
What to keep in mind
Elamipretide has more human trial data than most peptides here, which is a real point in its favor — but several of those trials had mixed or disappointing results, and its proven uses (where any exist) are narrow rare diseases, not general "energy" or anti-aging boosts. The clinical-research record does not transfer to a research-use-only product used on your own. Read the trial results, not the energy-boost marketing.
Research tools
Evaluating a Elamipretide (SS-31) batch for laboratory research? These free, research-use-only calculators help you work the numbers and read the paperwork: the reconstitution calculator solves vial concentration and draw volume, and the COA reader walks a certificate line by line. For how much and how often Elamipretide (SS-31) is commonly used, see the dosing guides.
Batch-tested with published COAs
See what a published COA looks like
Midwest Compounds does not currently list Elamipretide (SS-31). Every compound it does sell is tested by an independent lab, with a batch-linked certificate of analysis you can check before you buy.
Citations
The summary above is drawn from published, peer-reviewed sources. Links open the abstract on PubMed, or the free full text on PubMed Central (PMC) where marked.
- Karaa A, et al. Randomized dose-escalation trial of elamipretide in adults with primary mitochondrial myopathy. Neurology, 2018. Abstract
- Zhao H, et al. Elamipretide: A Review of Its Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Therapeutic Potential. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025. Free full text PMC