Longevity ⏱ Half-life: Approximately 3-4 hours in plasma, but mitochondrial concentration persists significantly longer due to 1000-fold accumulation in the inner membrane. FDA-Approved

SS-31

SS-31 (Elamipretide / Bendavia)

Updated March 15, 2026

Evidence at a Glance

Regulatory statusFDA-Approved
Elamipretide; FDA accelerated approval as FORZINITY (Sept 2025) for Barth syndrome; other Phase 3 trials failed.
Human evidenceExtensive
Animal evidenceExtensive

A mitochondria-targeted peptide (elamipretide) that received FDA accelerated approval for Barth syndrome in 2025, though several other Phase 3 trials, such as primary mitochondrial myopathy, failed to meet endpoints.

What the research does not support

  • Its approval is narrow (Barth syndrome muscle strength), not general anti-aging or fitness enhancement.
  • Large trials in primary mitochondrial myopathy and other conditions failed their endpoints.
  • It is not proven to extend healthy lifespan or reverse age-related decline in people.
  • Research-grade 'SS-31' is not the approved drug and carries no safety assurances.
Half-Life
Approximately 3-4 hours in plasma, but mitochondrial concentration persists significantly longer due to 1000-fold accumulation in the inner membrane.
Mol. Weight
639.8 g/mol

What is SS-31?

SS-31 (elamipretide) is the most clinically advanced mitochondria-targeted peptide, currently in Phase 3 trials for multiple conditions. By directly stabilizing the inner mitochondrial membrane, it addresses mitochondrial dysfunction at its structural root rather than merely scavenging downstream oxidative damage.

Research Applications

Active clinical programs include:

  • Barth syndrome: Phase 3 TAZPOWER trial (genetic cardiolipin deficiency)
  • Heart failure: Phase 2 for HFpEF and HFrEF
  • Mitochondrial myopathy: Phase 2 for primary mitochondrial diseases
  • Aging: Preclinical data showing reversal of age-related mitochondrial decline
  • Renal: Ischemia-reperfusion injury models
  • Ophthalology: Age-related macular degeneration

Dosage Information (Research Use)

Clinical trial doses: 4-40mg subcutaneously daily or 0.25mg/kg IV infusion. Investigational — research use only.

Reconstitution & Handling

Standard BAC water reconstitution. Stable in solution.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

Approximately 3-4 hours in plasma, but mitochondrial concentration persists significantly longer due to 1000-fold accumulation in the inner membrane.

Reported Observations in Literature

Clinical trial data: injection site reactions most common. Generally well-tolerated. Some reports of transient kidney function changes at higher IV doses.

Key Research References

  • Szeto HH. “First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics.” Br J Pharmacol. 2014
  • Sabbah HN, et al. “Chronic therapy with elamipretide, a novel mitochondria-targeting peptide, improves left ventricular and mitochondrial function in dogs with advanced heart failure.” Circ Heart Fail. 2016

How SS-31 Works

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that concentrates 1000-fold in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It binds to cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to mitochondria that is essential for electron transport chain function. By stabilizing cardiolipin and preventing its oxidation, SS-31 restores mitochondrial electron flow, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and improves ATP synthesis. Unlike antioxidants that scavenge ROS after formation, SS-31 prevents excessive ROS generation at the source — the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Research Findings

Phase 3 trials (TAZPOWER) for Barth syndrome (genetic cardiolipin disorder). Phase 2 trials for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), primary mitochondrial myopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. One of the most advanced mitochondria-targeted therapeutics in development. Animal data shows reversal of age-related mitochondrial dysfunction — restoring aged mitochondria to near-youthful function within hours of administration.

Dosage & Administration

Clinical trial doses: 4-40mg subcutaneously daily or 0.25mg/kg IV infusion. Investigational — research use only.

Safety & Side Effects

Clinical trial data: injection site reactions most common. Generally well-tolerated. Some reports of transient kidney function changes at higher IV doses.

Important: All safety information is derived from published research, primarily animal studies. No controlled human clinical trial data exists unless explicitly noted. This compound is sold for research purposes only.

Quick Facts

Sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2
Molecular Weight 639.8 g/mol
Half-Life Approximately 3-4 hours in plasma, but mitochondrial concentration persists significantly longer due to 1000-fold accumulation in the inner membrane.
Available Sizes 5mg
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C.

Key Research References

  • Szeto HH. "First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics." Br J Pharmacol. 2014
  • Sabbah HN, et al. "Chronic therapy with elamipretide, a novel mitochondria-targeting peptide, improves left ventricular and mitochondrial function in dogs with advanced heart failure." Circ Heart Fail. 2016

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