SS-31
Shop SS-31SS-31 is a man-made lab chemical also called Elamipretide. It is a tiny protein piece, called a peptide, that is made to go into the power plants inside cells. These power plants are called mitochondria, and they make the energy cells need to work. Scientists study it in laboratories, and it is sold only for research, not for people or animals.
In lab tests, SS-31 works by holding onto a special fat inside mitochondria called cardiolipin. Cardiolipin helps the energy-making parts stay in good shape. When SS-31 protects cardiolipin, the power plants can keep making energy, even when the cell is under stress. This is why scientists study it for problems where cells run low on energy.
SS-31 is not approved by any government as a medicine for people. Most of the science so far comes from lab dishes and animal studies, so how well it works in people is still being figured out. Anyone handling it should follow lab safety rules and store it properly.
Benefits
What SS-31 Helps With
The main themes across 54 research studies, in plain language.
Neuroprotection & cognitive
Neuroprotection & cognitive support
60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 7 underlying claimsResearch suggests it may help protect neural tissues and support cognitive recovery in models of brain injury and aging.
Vision & eye health
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 2 underlying claimsAnimal studies indicate potential for protecting retinal cells and slowing visual decline in conditions like dry AMD.
Barth Syndrome management
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 8 underlying claimsClinical trials have investigated its potential to improve muscle and heart outcomes specifically in patients with Barth Syndrome.
Immune system support & response
85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 5 underlying claimsResearch suggests it may support the immune system, including improving response to vaccination and recovery from radiation.
Oxidative stress reduction
85/100Rated 85/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources4Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 14 underlying claimsStudies indicate it acts as a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant to scavenge free radicals and reduce cellular oxidative stress.
Cellular defense & membrane stabilization
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 10 underlying claimsFindings suggest it helps stabilize mitochondrial structures and protect cells from stress-induced damage and apoptosis.
Research examples
- Cardiolipin protection / Stabilizes cardiolipin
- Prevents intrinsic apoptosis by inhibiting cytochrome c peroxidation
- Stabilizes mitochondrial cristae structure
Metabolic regulation & insulin sensitivity
60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 3 underlying claimsStudies suggest it may help improve metabolic markers, including insulin sensitivity and body composition.
Cardiovascular function & heart health
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 11 underlying claimsResearch points to potential benefits for heart function, including protection against ischemic injury and support for cardiac efficiency.
Anti-aging & longevity mechanisms
60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 4 underlying claimsPreliminary research explores effects on aging markers, such as telomerase activation and skin firmness.
Kidney function & renal protection
50/100Rated 50/100Source typeUnclassified sourceIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 6 underlying claimsStudies indicate potential protective effects for the kidneys, helping to ameliorate injury and markers of renal dysfunction.
Cellular energy & mitochondrial function
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 24 underlying claimsResearch suggests this compound targets mitochondrial membranes to support cellular energy production (ATP) and restore bioenergetic efficiency.
Muscle strength & physical performance
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →· 11 underlying claimsEvidence suggests it may improve muscle force, reduce fatigue, and enhance exercise tolerance, particularly in aging or disease models.
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Safety
Known Side Effects
Adverse effects reported in the research and by community use.
- Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus, induration, transient pain)Mild 90/100Rated 90/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidedosage.org
- NauseaMildReported in 3 sources 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources3Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org↗ peptidesinstitute.org↗ pantheonpeptides.com
- DizzinessMildReported in 2 sources 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources2Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org↗ pantheonpeptides.com
- Gastrointestinal discomfortMild 60/100Rated 60/100Source typeSpecialist communityIndependent sources1Every claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →↗ peptidepedia.org
Reported in research and community sources — not exhaustive. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
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Evidence
Research Citations (3)
Every claim above traces back to a source you can check — here are 3 of them.
- Source
Mitochondria-targeted peptide SS-31 attenuates renal injury via an antioxidant effect in diabetic nephropathy.
2016 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The mitochondrial-targeted peptide, SS-31, improves glomerular architecture in mice of advanced age.
2017 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Elamipretide (SS-31) treatment attenuates age-associated post-translational modifications of heart proteins.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
News
Latest on SS-31
Dated, sourced reporting that mentions SS-31.
Peak Performance Peptides
The FDA issued a warning letter to Peak Performance Peptides, an online seller, for marketing unapproved injectable peptide drugs including retatrutide, semaglutide, PT-141, tesamorelin, and SS-31 via its website. The agency stated these products are unapproved new drugs under the FD&C Act and warned of possible seizure or injunction if violations are not corrected. The letter highlights ongoing FDA scrutiny of grey-market peptide sellers.
TXP Innovations LLC dba Tex Peptides
The FDA issued a warning letter to TXP Innovations LLC (dba Tex Peptides) after reviewing its website in July 2026 and finding it marketed unapproved injectable peptide drugs, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, SS-31 (elamipretide), tesamorelin, and PT-141 (bremelanotide). The agency deemed these unapproved new drugs under section 505(a) of the FD&C Act. The letter warns that continued violations could trigger seizure or injunction. It underscores FDA's ongoing crackdown on unapproved peptide products sold directly to consumers online.
Peptide Partners LLC
The FDA issued a warning letter to Peptide Partners LLC for marketing unapproved peptide drugs, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, elamipretide, tesamorelin, and PT-141, via its website. The agency stated these products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as unapproved new drugs. The letter highlights the risks of injectable unapproved products and warns of potential seizure or injunction if violations persist.
FDA Approves Elamipretide (SS-31) as First-Ever Mitochondria-Targeted Therapy for Barth Syndrome
On September 19, 2025, the FDA granted accelerated approval to FORZINITY (elamipretide HCl), making it the first treatment ever approved for Barth syndrome and the first drug to directly target mitochondrial dysfunction. Elamipretide — originally known in research as the SS-31 peptide — works by stabilizing cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The approval covers adult and pediatric patients weighing at least 30 kg and is supported by the TAZPOWER trial showing improved knee extensor muscle strength.
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