Download the Protocol

SS-31

SS-31 helps protect and energize the body’s cells by supporting their power sources, the mitochondria. It is studied for improving energy, reducing fatigue, and protecting tissues from stress or aging effects by keeping cells functioning more efficiently.

Description

• SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂).
• Designed to protect mitochondrial function by binding to cardiolipin, a phospholipid critical for inner mitochondrial membrane integrity.
• Investigated for its roles in cellular energy restoration, oxidative stress reduction, and tissue protection.

How It Works

• Penetrates cell membranes and selectively targets mitochondria.
• Binds to cardiolipin to stabilize mitochondrial structure and enhance ATP synthesis efficiency.
• Reduces mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevents apoptosis under stress conditions.

Documented Effects

• Improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative damage in animal and early human studies.
• Protects cardiac, renal, and neural tissues from ischemic injury.
• Enhances endurance and muscle performance in aging models.

Theoretical Effects

• Potential research applications in aging, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disease models.
• May support mitochondrial biogenesis and resilience under oxidative stress.
• All non-clinical applications remain investigational.

Pharmacokinetics

• Half-life: approximately 1–2 hours following injection.
• Time to peak concentration: 30–60 minutes post subcutaneous administration.
• Steady-state: reached after 2–3 days of daily dosing.

Duration of Effects

• Mitochondrial activity improvements last 6–12 hours post-dose in experimental studies.
• Protective antioxidant effects may persist for up to 24 hours.
• Continued use over weeks may enhance sustained cellular energy function.

Reconstitution

• Use only bacteriostatic water to reconstitute the lyophilized powder.
• Example vial: 10 mg of SS-31 (Elamipretide)
• Choose reconstitution volume based on dosing convenience:
  • 1 mL water → 10 mg/mL → 1 mg per 10 units
  • 2 mL water → 5 mg/mL → 500 mcg per 10 units
• Swirl gently to dissolve; do not shake or expose to heat.
• Refrigerate reconstituted solution (2–8 °C). Use within ~30 days for best stability.

Injectable Dosage Overview (Research Use)

Typical Starting Dose

• 100–200 mcg subcutaneous (SC) once daily in mitochondrial function research.
• Conservative start: 100 mcg for 5–7 days to evaluate response.

Common Research Range

• 100–500 mcg SC 1–2× daily depending on experimental design.
• Often administered pre- or post-stress exposure in oxidative injury models.

Maximum Research Range

• Up to 1 mg SC daily in animal models; higher doses show minimal incremental effect.

Standard Cycle Length

• 2–8 weeks depending on study duration and mitochondrial marker endpoints.

Clinical Notes

• Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh using sterile technique.
• No tapering required; effects diminish gradually after discontinuation.
• Do not combine with other mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants without testing compatibility.
• Stable for about 30 days when refrigerated (2–8°C). Protect from light and heat. Avoid freezing.

Safety Notes (First-Time Use)

• Generally well tolerated in preclinical and early-phase human trials.
• Possible mild injection-site discomfort or flushing.
• Research use only; not approved for therapeutic application.