SS-31

SS-31, also known as Elamipretide and by its pharmaceutical designation Bendavia, is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, where Dmt is 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine) that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane with remarkable specificity. It is one of the few compounds capable of penetrating the double-membrane structure of mitochondria and concentrating at the inner membrane — the site of the electron transport chain where 90% of cellular ATP is produced. SS-31 was developed at the Szeto-Schiller laboratory at Cornell University, and its mitochondrial-targeting properties have made it a leading compound in the emerging field of mitochondrial medicine.

SS-31 accumulates at the inner mitochondrial membrane through electrostatic interaction between its alternating aromatic-cationic motif and the anionic phospholipid cardiolipin. Cardiolipin is exclusively found in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it plays an essential structural role in organizing the electron transport chain complexes into supercomplexes (respirasomes). Age, disease, and oxidative stress disrupt cardiolipin structure, fragmenting respirasomes and reducing electron transport efficiency while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) leak. SS-31 stabilizes cardiolipin-cytochrome c interactions, restores respirasome integrity, improves electron transport efficiency, and reduces mitochondrial ROS production — not by scavenging free radicals after they form, but by preventing their excessive generation at the source.

Research on SS-31 demonstrates improvements in mitochondrial ATP production, reduced oxidative stress markers, restored cellular bioenergetics in aged tissues, and protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Clinical trials have investigated its effects on heart failure (improved cardiac function and exercise capacity), age-related macular degeneration (improved visual function), renal ischemia (organ protection), and primary mitochondrial myopathy. In preclinical aging research, SS-31 reversed age-related decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, improved exercise capacity in aged animals, and restored cardiac diastolic function.

SS-31 is suited for researchers investigating mitochondrial function, cellular bioenergetics, aging-related decline, cardioprotection, and organ preservation. It is the most extensively studied mitochondria-targeted peptide and a cornerstone compound for longevity-focused research protocols.

Reconstitute the 25mg vial with 2.5ml bacteriostatic water (yielding 10mg/ml). Administer via subcutaneous injection, typically 0.5-5mg per day depending on the research objective. SS-31 has a plasma half-life of approximately 2-4 hours but its cardiolipin-binding effects persist longer at the mitochondrial level. Daily dosing is standard. Store at 2-8C after reconstitution. The 25mg vial provides substantial supply for extended longevity research protocols. Lyophilized powder is relatively stable at room temperature but should be refrigerated for optimal preservation.