What Is SS-31?

SS-31 is a short peptide developed to target mitochondria. In the scientific literature it’s most commonly discussed under the clinical name
elamipretide. The research interest is centered on how SS-31 interacts with the inner mitochondrial membrane and may influence mitochondrial efficiency and stress signaling.

In plain terms: SS-31 is usually framed as a mitochondrial-support research peptide — not a hormone peptide, not a GLP-1, and not a classic “growth” peptide.

How It Works (Mechanism)

SS-31 is studied for its affinity toward the inner mitochondrial membrane and interactions involving cardiolipin, a key lipid that helps organize mitochondrial structure and function.
Multiple mechanistic papers and reviews describe SS-31 as a compound that can associate with cardiolipin-rich membranes and influence mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress dynamics.

• Inner mitochondrial membrane targeting: studied for localization/association where the electron transport chain operates.
• Cardiolipin interaction: cardiolipin binding/association is widely described as central to SS-31’s activity profile in the literature.
• Bioenergetics/ROS signaling: research frequently examines ATP output, electron transport efficiency, and oxidative stress markers.

Note: “Mechanism” here is research discussion — outcomes depend on model, dose, route, and study design.

Potential Benefits Reported in Research

• Mitochondrial function markers: studied in models assessing respiration, ATP, and membrane-related efficiency.
• Fatigue/exercise tolerance endpoints: evaluated in mitochondrial disease research using functional tests and symptom scales.
• Ophthalmic research: evaluated in studies involving mitochondrial dysfunction in the eye (research setting).

Important: “Potential benefits” means what has been explored in studies — not a promise of outcomes.

What Research Says

Human studies for SS-31 (elamipretide) include longer, placebo-controlled trials and earlier-phase work in specific populations. Results vary by indication and endpoint.
For example, a 24-week randomized trial in primary mitochondrial myopathy evaluated daily subcutaneous dosing and reported key primary endpoints that did not differ versus placebo in that design, while other secondary/exploratory measures and other indications have been investigated separately.

• Primary mitochondrial myopathy (24 weeks): randomized, placebo-controlled designs have evaluated daily SC dosing and functional endpoints.
• Ophthalmology research: clinical studies have evaluated daily SC dosing in dry AMD-related research contexts.
• Ongoing/other trials: other indications and dosing regimens appear in trial registries and company/academic publications.

Practical takeaway: SS-31 is a heavily “mitochondria-mechanism” peptide in the literature, but clinical outcomes depend on endpoint selection and population.

Dosing in Research Context

There is no “standard dose” for general use because SS-31 is not an approved consumer therapy. However, published human studies and clinical protocols commonly report:

• Daily subcutaneous dosing in longer trials: several studies have used 40 mg/day SC over weeks to months.
• Protocol-driven endpoints: dosing is typically paired with structured outcome tracking (e.g., 6MWT, fatigue scales, or ophthalmic measures depending on indication).
• Other regimens exist: some trials explore different daily SC doses depending on indication (check trial protocols).

If you want help converting mg ↔ mcg or mapping a research amount to insulin syringe units for educational math, use:
Math & Conversions.

Sources for trial-style dosing examples:
Primary mitochondrial myopathy trial (40 mg/day SC, 24 weeks)
•
Dry AMD phase 1 study (40 mg SC daily)

Administration & Handling (Research Notes)

• Route (in many human trials): commonly described as subcutaneous daily injections in longer clinical protocols.
• Consistency: when trials run weeks to months, consistency and standardized tracking are typically emphasized.
• Handling (general RUO): use sterile technique, avoid contamination, label dates/concentration, and store per protocol.

RUO reminder: This is educational/research-discussion content only — not instructions for medical treatment.

Safety, Side Effects & Regulatory Status

• Not FDA-approved: SS-31 (elamipretide) is not approved as a general therapy for wellness, performance, or weight loss.
• Trial safety monitoring: clinical studies typically track adverse events, vitals, labs, and other safety measures across study duration.
• Quality matters in legitimate research: identity/purity verification (COA, HPLC) is critical for any laboratory work.
• Medical decisions: this page is educational and not medical advice.

Timeline & What People Usually Ask

A very common question is: “How fast does SS-31 work?” In structured studies, endpoints are usually assessed over weeks to months, not days.
Early changes (if any) may show up first in subjective markers (energy/fatigue reporting) while objective endpoints (walk distance, ophthalmic measures, lab markers) require longer observation and controlled design.

If you’re comparing timelines across peptides, separate:
early subjective markers (days–weeks) from functional/clinical endpoints (weeks–months).

Stacking & Comparison to Other Peptides

SS-31 is most often compared with other “cellular energy / mitochondria” conversations rather than growth hormone or GLP-1 peptides.
Common comparison themes include:

• NAD+ research: often discussed as “energy pathway support,” but mechanistically distinct from membrane-targeting peptides.
• MOTS-C: frequently discussed in the “metabolic signaling” lane; mechanism differs from cardiolipin/IMM targeting.
• Antioxidant-style framing: some communities describe SS-31 as “mitochondrial antioxidant-like,” though the literature emphasizes cardiolipin/IMM interaction and bioenergetics effects.

“Stacks” are mostly community concepts — not clinically validated protocols.

📣 Community Perspectives: What People Are Saying Online

Frequently Asked Questions