SS-31

SS‑31 – Mitochondria‑Targeted Peptide for Bioenergetics and Aging Research

SS‑31 (also known as elamipretide, Bendavia, MTP‑131) is a synthetic aromatic–cationic tetrapeptide that selectively accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding the phospholipid cardiolipin. Through this targeted interaction, SS‑31 stabilizes the electron‑transport chain, reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and supports ATP production in high‑demand tissues such as heart, skeletal muscle, kidney, retina, and brain.

Key features

• Cardiolipin‑specific targeting: SS‑31 binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, enhancing electron transfer, reducing electron leakage, and inhibiting cytochrome c peroxidase activity, which together lower mtROS generation.

• Mitochondrial protection and ATP support: Preclinical studies show SS‑31 preserves mitochondrial membrane potential, prevents permeability‑transition pore opening and swelling, and improves ATP output under ischemic, toxic, or age‑related stress.

• Anti‑inflammatory and anti‑apoptotic actions: By lowering mtROS and stabilizing mitochondria, SS‑31 dampens downstream inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis across multiple organ systems.

• Clinical‑trial background: SS‑31 has advanced into human trials for primary mitochondrial myopathy, heart failure, ischemia–reperfusion injury, kidney disease, and age‑related skeletal‑muscle impairment, providing a rich translational dataset for investigators.

  
  

Research applications

SS‑31 is used in experimental systems exploring:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetics, including assays of oxygen‑consumption rate, membrane potential, and mtROS in stressed cardiomyocytes, myotubes, neurons, and renal cells.

• Cardiovascular and skeletal‑muscle aging, where SS‑31 has been shown to reverse age‑related redox stress, improve exercise tolerance, and enhance cardiac and skeletal‑muscle performance in animal models.

• Kidney and organ protection, with demonstrated benefits in acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, and ischemia–reperfusion models via reduced oxidative damage, inflammation, and cell death.

• Neuroprotection and retinal health, based on data showing improved mitochondrial integrity, reduced neuroinflammation, and protection of high‑energy neural tissues in degenerative or toxic models.

  
  

Recommended handling

• For controlled laboratory research use only, by qualified professionals.

• Store in a cool, dry environment away from light; follow institutional SOPs for peptide storage, reconstitution, aliquoting, and disposal.

• Investigators should consult current literature for model‑specific dosing, timing relative to injury or stress induction, and mitochondrial endpoints (OCR, ΔΨm, mtROS, ATP output)

  
  

Important disclaimer

All compounds sold by Rocky Peptide Chain, including SS‑31, are for research use only. They are not intended for human consumption, medical use, diagnostic purposes, or treatment of any disease or condition. No claims are made or implied regarding anti‑aging, performance enhancement, organ protection, or therapeutic benefit. Researchers are solely responsible for appropriate handling, experimental design, and compliance with all applicable regulations.