IMPORTANT: Read the Prep & Administration Guide for proper handling, reconstitution (if applicable), and administration technique. Mistakes here can compromise your research.
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide studied for its ability to bind cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and improve mitochondrial bioenergetics. It has been investigated in clinical studies for mitochondrial diseases and conditions involving oxidative stress and impaired ATP production.
— 10 mg Vial —
Reconstitute: Add 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 10 mg/mL concentration.
Typical daily range: 5–10 mg once daily (gradual titration); advanced protocols may reach 15–20 mg/day under supervision.
Easy measuring: At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 100 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C; reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C, use within 4 weeks.
Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks.
Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; limited data exists beyond 12 weeks.
Goal: Support mitochondrial function, enhance ATP production, and reduce oxidative stress.
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously at a consistent time.
| Phase | Dose | Syringe (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 5 mg (5000 mcg) | 50 units (0.50 mL) |
| Weeks 3–8 | 10 mg (10,000 mcg) | 100 units (1.0 mL) |
| Advanced Weeks 5–8 | 15 mg | Split: 2 × 75 units (0.75 mL each) |
| Advanced Weeks 9–12 | 20 mg | Split: 2 × 100 units (1.0 mL each) |
— 30 mg Vial —
Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~10 mg/mL concentration.
Typical daily range: 5–10 mg once daily (gradual titration); advanced protocols may reach 15–20 mg/day under supervision.
Easy measuring: At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 100 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C; reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C, use within 4 weeks.
Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks.
Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; limited data exists beyond 12 weeks.
Goal: Support mitochondrial function, enhance ATP production, and reduce oxidative stress.
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously at a consistent time.
| Phase | Dose | Syringe (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 5 mg (5000 mcg) | 50 units (0.50 mL) |
| Weeks 3–8 | 10 mg (10,000 mcg) | 100 units (1.0 mL) |
| Advanced Weeks 5–8 | 15 mg | Split: 2 × 75 units (0.75 mL each) |
| Advanced Weeks 9–12 | 20 mg | Split: 2 × 100 units (1.0 mL each) |
— 50 mg Vial —
Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~16.67 mg/mL concentration.
Typical daily range: 5–10 mg once daily (gradual titration); advanced protocols may reach 15–20 mg/day.
Easy measuring: At 16.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 167 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C; reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C, use within 4 weeks.
Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks.
Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; limited data exists beyond 12 weeks.
Goal: Support mitochondrial function, enhance ATP production, and reduce oxidative stress.
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously at a consistent time.
| Phase | Dose | Syringe (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 5 mg (5000 mcg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 3–8 | 10 mg (10,000 mcg) | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Advanced Weeks 5–8 | 15 mg | 90 units (0.90 mL) |
| Advanced Weeks 9–12 | 20 mg | Split: 2 × 60 units (0.60 mL each) |
- May improve mitochondrial coupling and ATP production by stabilizing cardiolipin interactions (mechanistic).
- May reduce reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress markers in experimental systems.
- Studied in primary mitochondrial myopathies for exercise tolerance endpoints (clinical research).
- Investigated in heart failure and ischemia-reperfusion contexts as a mitochondrial-protective agent (mixed data).
SS-31 selectively associates with cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane that organizes electron transport chain complexes. By stabilizing cardiolipin and mitochondrial cristae structure, SS-31 is proposed to improve electron flux efficiency, reduce electron leak (ROS generation), and enhance ATP synthesis.
Potential adverse effects reported in literature and/or anecdotally include:
- Injection-site reactions.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Flushing in some subjects.
- Rotate sites; consistent technique reduces irritation.
- Hydration can help headache/dizziness.
- Reduce dose if persistent nausea occurs.
- Discontinue if allergic symptoms occur.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Severe renal impairment without oversight.
- Known hypersensitivity to peptide components.
PubMed-linked citations for verification. Many studies are preclinical (animal/in-vitro).
- Elamipretide targets cardiolipin to improve mitochondrial function: foundational studies. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2014. PMID: 25202098 (doi: 10.1073/pnas.1412251111)
- Elamipretide in primary mitochondrial myopathy: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurol. 2020. PMID: 32391823 (doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.1091)
- Mitochondria-targeted peptides as therapeutics for oxidative stress-related disease (review). Trends Pharmacol Sci. PubMed
Research Use Only. All information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. PepSherpa does not sell peptides. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health decisions. Many of the studies cited are preclinical (animal/in-vitro).
Research Use Only. All information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. PepSherpa does not sell peptides. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health decisions. Many of the studies cited are preclinical (animal/in-vitro).