Recharging the cellular powerhouse
A mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that stabilizes cardiolipin to support cellular energy.
Educational content. This page describes SS-31 (Elamipretide) for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any therapy.
SS-31 (elamipretide/Bendavia) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) that targets the fundamental cause of cellular energy failure by concentrating within mitochondria. It is the first-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound designed to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Extensively studied in preclinical models of aging, heart failure, kidney disease, and neurodegeneration, it has progressed through multiple clinical trials including Phase 3, making it one of the most clinically advanced mitochondria-targeted therapeutics.
SS-31 selectively concentrates on the inner mitochondrial membrane at ~5,000-fold higher concentrations than the cytoplasm. It binds specifically to cardiolipin, a phospholipid critical for organizing electron transport chain complexes into supercomplexes.
By interacting with cardiolipin, SS-31 prevents cytochrome c from becoming a peroxidase while preserving its electron-carrying function. This protects cristae structure and optimizes oxidative phosphorylation efficiency.
The result: increased ATP production, reduced mitochondrial ROS, preserved membrane potential, and restored cellular redox balance. In aged tissues, it reverses widespread protein oxidation.
Recharging the cellular powerhouse
SS-31 targets the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds cardiolipin, stabilizing the cardiolipin-cytochrome c relationship. This preserves cristae architecture and electron transport chain supercomplex organization, optimizing oxidative phosphorylation, increasing ATP yield, and reducing ROS at their source.
Key studies supporting the therapeutic use of this peptide.
Single 2-hour IV infusion significantly elevated skeletal muscle ATP production capacity.
Roshanravan B, Liu SZ, Ali AS, et al. — PLoS One, 16(7):e0253849 (2021) · PubMed
Safe and well-tolerated. Highest dose showed significant decreases in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes.
Daubert MA, Yow E, Dunn G, et al. — Circ Heart Fail, 10(12):e004389 (2017) · PubMed
Well-tolerated but did not meet primary endpoints. Underscores complexity of treating established mitochondrial disease.
Karaa A, Bertini E, Carelli V, et al. — Neurology, 101(3):e238-e252 (2023) · PubMed
Reversed age-related ATP decline, restored redox homeostasis, increased muscle mass and treadmill endurance.
Campbell MD, Duan J, Samuelson AT, et al. — Free Radic Biol Med, 134:268-281 (2019) · PubMed
Typical protocols used in clinical practice. Always consult a licensed provider for personalized dosing.
Subcutaneous Injection
Subcutaneous Injection: Route used in Phase 3 trials
Achieves rapid mitochondrial concentration with measurable effects within hours of a single dose.
Clinical trials used continuous daily dosing for up to 24 weeks without loss of efficacy.
Still investigational and not commercially available as a prescription drug.
MMPOWER-3 trial (218 participants, 24 weeks) reported most AEs as mild to moderate with no new safety signals. Heart failure trial showed stable BP and heart rate.
Long-term preclinical studies show no adverse effects and multi-organ protective properties.
Benefits most pronounced in aged or diseased tissues; does not appear to affect normal mitochondrial function in young, healthy tissues.
See how SS-31 (Elamipretide) compares to peptides with overlapping benefits.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Administration | Cycle Length | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Mitochondrial Restoration & Anti-Aging | Injection (daily) | Continuous (weeks to months) | Only peptide that directly targets cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane to restore electron transport chain efficiency |
| GHK-Cu | Anti-Aging & Recovery | Topical, Injection | 8–12 weeks | Only peptide demonstrated to modulate ~31% of human genes, epigenetically resetting cellular function toward a younger phenotype |
| Sermorelin | Anti-Aging & GH Restoration | Injection (daily) | 3–6 months | Only GHRH analog with FDA approval history and multi-decade safety record, uniquely preserving natural GH feedback |
| Glutathione | Antioxidant & Detoxification | IV, Oral, Sublingual | Ongoing supplementation | The body's own master antioxidant, with clinical data supporting oral bioavailability (challenging earlier assumptions) and dramatic immune cell activation at high doses |
| CJC-1295 | Anti-Aging & Recovery | Injection (weekly or daily) | 8–12 weeks | Only GHRH analog with covalent albumin-binding mechanism extending half-life to 6-8 days, allowing once-weekly dosing |
Current FDA classification and compounding eligibility.
This peptide is an FDA-approved drug available via standard prescription.
FDA-approved as Forzinity for Barth syndrome (mitochondrial disease). First FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted therapeutic. Subcutaneous daily injection for patients weighing at least 30 kg.
FDA granted accelerated approval to Forzinity (elamipretide) injection for Barth syndrome
Last verified April 12, 2026. PepHookup tracks public FDA actions. This is not legal or medical advice.
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