SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide. It selectively binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and has been studied for its role in restoring mitochondrial bioenergetics and reducing oxidative stress.
≥99%
10mg
Lyophilized Powder
Store at -20°C. Protect from light and moisture.
Mechanism of Action
SS-31 (Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia) is a cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂) that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds to cardiolipin. By stabilizing cardiolipin's interaction with cytochrome c, SS-31 optimizes electron transport chain efficiency, reduces electron leak and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and restores mitochondrial membrane potential in dysfunctional mitochondria.
Research Overview
SS-31 was designed by Dr. Hazel Szeto and colleagues at Cornell University as part of the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide series, which capitalize on an alternating aromatic-cationic motif to penetrate cell membranes and concentrate 1000-5000 fold in mitochondria independently of membrane potential.
In preclinical models, SS-31 has demonstrated cardioprotective effects in heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and Barth syndrome (tafazzin deficiency). A 2024 study showed that SS-31 treatment restored mitochondrial morphology in tafazzin-knockdown mice, ameliorating the structural and functional consequences of cardiolipin remodeling defects.
Clinical-stage research has explored elamipretide in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), primary mitochondrial myopathy, and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction. A comprehensive 2025 review characterized its structure, mechanism, and therapeutic potential across multiple disease contexts involving mitochondrial bioenergetic failure.
Published Research
Comprehensive review of elamipretide as a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin to stabilize electron transport chain function and reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Elamipretide improved myocardial energetics and cardiovascular performance through direct mitochondrial targeting in a rodent HFpEF model.
Chemical Profile
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂ (Dmt = 2,6-dimethyltyrosine; alternating aromatic-cationic motif) |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₂H₄₉N₅O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 571.75 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 736992-21-5 |
| Half-Life | ~4 hours; renal elimination; concentrates 1000-5000× in mitochondria |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, DMSO, and physiological buffers |
| Bioavailability | High cell permeability; subcutaneous administration in clinical studies; mitochondrial accumulation independent of membrane potential |
Research Applications
References & Further Reading
- Elamipretide — Wikipedia— Wikipedia
- SS-31 Elamipretide — PubMed Search— PubMed
- ClinicalTrials.gov — Elamipretide— ClinicalTrials.gov
Research Use Only
This product is intended solely for laboratory research, analytical testing, and educational purposes. NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. NOT FOR MEDICAL, VETERINARY, OR DIAGNOSTIC USE. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA.
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