What is SS-31? A Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide Breakdown
Compound Spotlight
SS-31 is a synthetic peptide designed specifically to concentrate inside mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside nearly every cell. It is one of the more mechanistically distinct compounds in current longevity research.
Quick summary
- SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic peptide engineered to concentrate on the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- Studied for oxidative stress, membrane stability, and ATP production research.
- Its main studied mechanism is binding to cardiolipin, a membrane phospholipid tied to mitochondrial integrity.
- Has a longer clinical research history than most mitochondrial peptides, dating back over a decade.
What is SS-31?
SS-31, also studied under the name elamipretide, is a small, cell-permeable peptide engineered to selectively accumulate on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Unlike naturally occurring peptides, SS-31 was designed from the outset as a research tool targeting mitochondrial membrane chemistry directly.
What it is studied for
- Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species research
- Mitochondrial membrane stability studies
- Cellular energy production and ATP synthesis research
- Age-related mitochondrial decline models
How it is thought to work
SS-31 is studied for its interaction with cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane that plays a structural role in maintaining membrane integrity. By binding to cardiolipin, SS-31 is thought to help stabilize the membrane and reduce the production of reactive oxygen species, which is the basis for most of its studied applications in oxidative stress research.
Research history
SS-31 was developed in the early 2000s by researchers specifically targeting cardiolipin, a phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This was a deliberate design choice rather than a discovery from a naturally occurring compound, distinguishing it from peptides like MOTS-c that were identified from an existing biological source.
Over the following two decades, SS-31 moved through a substantial body of preclinical research in models of heart failure, kidney injury, and age-related mitochondrial decline, eventually reaching human clinical trials under the name elamipretide. This gives it one of the more clinically mature research profiles among current mitochondrial peptides.
Where the research stands
SS-31 has a longer research history than many newer mitochondrial peptides, with studies dating back over a decade, primarily in preclinical models of oxidative stress and aging. It is often discussed alongside MOTS-c as part of the broader mitochondrial peptide research category, though the two act through distinct mechanisms.
Our SS-31
Every lot we sell is sent to an independent, third-party lab before it is listed, and the resulting Certificate of Analysis is published for that exact lot, confirming identity and purity.
For laboratory and research use only. Not for human consumption. This article is for informational purposes and summarizes existing published research; it is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is SS-31 different from MOTS-c?
Both are studied in mitochondrial research, but through different mechanisms. SS-31 is studied for direct interaction with the mitochondrial membrane, while MOTS-c is studied as a signaling peptide affecting metabolic pathways like AMPK activation.
How do I know what is actually in the vial?
Every lot we sell has a published Certificate of Analysis from an independent, third-party lab, confirming both identity and purity. You can look up any lot number directly on our site.
