SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Also known as: Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia, SS-31
By GLPeptideSciences Editorial Team · How we evaluate evidence · Reviewed by Dr. George S. Watson, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon · Updated 2026-06-02
A mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates at the inner mitochondrial membrane and is in human trials for several mitochondrial and cardiac conditions.
What it is & how it works
What it is
SS-31 — known clinically as elamipretide — is a small mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide. Unlike most compounds in this section, it has progressed through real human clinical trials.
How it is thought to work
It concentrates at the inner mitochondrial membrane and associates with cardiolipin, a lipid central to the energy-producing electron transport chain. The hypothesis is that stabilizing this membrane improves mitochondrial efficiency in dysfunctional tissue.
The evidence and the caveat
Elamipretide is unusually far along for a “longevity” peptide — but “in trials” is not “approved,” and the trial results have been mixed. It remains investigational, and any research-market version is unverified.
What it's discussed & studied for
- Mitochondrial dysfunction (clinical trials)
- Cardiac and age-related conditions (under study)
Discussion of a use is not a claim that it works or is approved.
Research status
Investigational. Elamipretide has been through multiple human clinical trials with mixed results; it is not approved for general use.
Evidence quality
Real human trial data exists, but outcomes have been mixed and trials are ongoing. It is further along clinically than most longevity peptides, yet still unproven and unapproved.
Dosing discussion
Doses exist only within clinical trial protocols. There is no approved label and no validated consumer dose.
Educational summary of what is discussed in the literature and community — not a dosing recommendation or medical advice.
Safety & harm reduction
Studied in monitored trial settings; its real-world safety outside that context is not established. Not approved for use.
Sourcing literacy
No approved product is available to consumers; research-market 'SS-31' is unverified, with identity and purity risks.
Selected literature
FAQ
Is SS-31 approved?
No. It has been studied in multiple human trials but is not approved for general use, and trial results have been mixed.
What makes it 'mitochondria-targeting'?
Its structure concentrates it at the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it interacts with cardiolipin and is thought to support mitochondrial function.