SS-31
SS-31 (Elamipretide / Bendavia / MTP-131)
The mitochondrial protector
A synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively targets cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. SS-31 stabilizes electron transport chain function, reduces reactive oxygen species production at the source, and prevents mitochondrial permeability transition. Currently in clinical trials for heart failure, mitochondrial myopathy, and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Typical dose
- 5–10 mg/day
- Availability
- Research-only
Key Benefits
Mitochondrial membrane stabilization and electron transport optimization
Reduction of mitochondrial ROS at the source
ATP production restoration in aged and damaged cells
Cardioprotection during ischemia-reperfusion injury
Potential slowing of age-related mitochondrial decline
Mechanism of Action
How SS-31 works
SS-31 works at the inner mitochondrial membrane — the site where cellular energy is produced and where aging-related damage accumulates:
- Cardiolipin binding — selectively concentrates 1000-5000x in mitochondria by binding cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane. This stabilizes the structure critical for electron transport chain complex assembly.
- Electron transport chain optimization — by stabilizing cardiolipin-cytochrome c interactions, SS-31 prevents electron leak at Complex III and Complex I, reducing superoxide generation at its source rather than scavenging it after production
- Mitochondrial permeability transition prevention — inhibits mPTP opening, the event that triggers mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release, and apoptotic cell death during ischemia-reperfusion and oxidative stress
- ATP production restoration — in aged or damaged mitochondria, SS-31 restores coupling efficiency, increasing ATP output per oxygen consumed and reducing the energy deficit that drives cellular dysfunction
Your Genetics & SS-31
Genetic variants that affect your response
These SNPs determine how effectively SS-31 works for you specifically. A genetic peptide report identifies your variants before you start.
The Val16Ala polymorphism affects mitochondrial superoxide dismutase targeting efficiency. The Ala variant (T allele) produces less efficient SOD2 import into mitochondria, leading to higher mitochondrial oxidative stress — exactly what SS-31 counteracts by reducing ROS production at the source.
The Gly482Ser variant reduces PGC-1alpha activity and mitochondrial biogenesis. Individuals with fewer, less efficient mitochondria may benefit more from SS-31's ability to optimize existing mitochondrial function and restore coupling efficiency.
Variants near the cytochrome c gene affect expression levels. Since SS-31 stabilizes the cardiolipin-cytochrome c interaction critical for electron transport, variants affecting cytochrome c availability may modulate the magnitude of SS-31's membrane-stabilizing effect.
The -262C>T promoter variant affects catalase expression. Low catalase expressors have reduced capacity to neutralize hydrogen peroxide downstream of superoxide. SS-31 addresses this upstream by reducing superoxide production itself, potentially compensating for catalase deficiency.
Which variants do you carry?
Upload your DNA data or order a kit to find out.
Evidence & Research
50+
Published studies
Published human or robust animal studies with clear mechanistic rationale
Sourcing & access
Where to buy SS-31
SS-31 is sold as a research compound, not a licensed medicine, so quality and legal status vary widely by country and vendor. If you're sourcing it, treat independent purity testing as non-negotiable.
- Insist on a recent third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the exact batch — labs like Janoshik verify purity and identity.
- Check the legal status where you live before ordering — it differs from country to country.
- Reconstitute correctly with bacteriostatic water and start at a conservative dose.
Before you buy: see whether your DNA actually responds to SS-31, and at what dose. Analyze my DNA — $99 →
Educational information only, not medical advice. Some outbound links are affiliate links (disclosed, at no extra cost to you). Most peptides are not FDA-approved — consult a qualified professional and check your local laws before purchasing.
Common Stacks
SS-31 is commonly combined with:
MOTS-c
Complete Mitochondrial StackEmerging EvidenceMitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial genome — one of only a handful of known mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). MOTS-c acts as a retrograde signal from mitochondria to the nucleus, activating AMPK and regulating metabolic homeostasis. It functions as an exercise mimetic, improving insulin sensitivity, fat oxidation, and cellular stress resilience.
3
Gene variants
25+
Studies
Epithalon
Longevity StackEmerging EvidenceEpitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)
A synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural pineal gland peptide epithalamin. Epithalon activates telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomere length, potentially slowing cellular aging. Discovered by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, it remains one of the most studied anti-aging peptides in gerontology.
3
Gene variants
20+
Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SS-31 used for?
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is used to protect and restore mitochondrial function. It targets the inner mitochondrial membrane where energy production occurs, stabilizing electron transport and reducing oxidative damage. It is in clinical trials for heart failure (Barth syndrome, mitochondrial cardiomyopathy) and age-related mitochondrial decline.
Does genetics affect SS-31 response?
Yes. SOD2 variants affect baseline mitochondrial antioxidant capacity — individuals with reduced SOD2 function have higher mitochondrial oxidative stress that SS-31 directly addresses. PPARGC1A variants affect mitochondrial biogenesis, determining how many mitochondria you have for SS-31 to optimize. Genetic testing identifies your mitochondrial vulnerability profile.
How is SS-31 different from antioxidant supplements?
Most antioxidants (vitamin C, E, NAC) work by scavenging free radicals after they are produced — a reactive approach. SS-31 prevents ROS generation at the source by stabilizing the electron transport chain where superoxide is produced. It also concentrates specifically in mitochondria rather than distributing throughout the cell, making it orders of magnitude more targeted.
Your next move
Two ways forward with SS-31.
Not sure it's for you?
Will SS-31 work for your genes — and at what dose?
Your report scores SS-31 against your receptor, CYP and pathway variants — likely responder, non-responder, and a sensible starting dose — in minutes.
Analyze my DNA — $99