01 / RESEARCH SUMMARY
SS-31 Research Summary
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide. It binds cardiolipin, a lipid in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which helps stabilize the electron transport chain, improve ATP production and reduce oxidative stress. It has been studied in human trials for Barth syndrome, primary mitochondrial myopathy and heart failure, and in animal models of aging-related heart and muscle decline.
Read the full guide →02 / WHY RESEARCHERS STUDY IT
Why SS-31 draws research interest
These are the areas researchers and the peptide community explore SS-31 for most often. They describe what is being studied — not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Mitochondrial function
Stabilizes the inner mitochondrial membrane to improve energy output.
Mitochondrial disease
Studied in Barth syndrome and mitochondrial myopathy.
Heart & muscle aging
Improved heart and muscle function in aged animals.
Evidence ranges from early lab work to large clinical trials depending on the use — see the sections below for the data and sources.
03 / DOSING & RECONSTITUTION
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (1 mL = 10 mg/mL)
- Reconstitute: Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration 10 mg/mL (10,000 mcg/mL).
- Typical range: 2–5 mg, sometimes 10 mg 1x daily am · 5 on 2 off or daily, 4–8 weeks (max 12 weeks).
- Easy measuring: At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 100 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so doses read at 20–50 units.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
| Protocol | Dose range | Frequency | Cycle | Time off | Half-life | Fasted | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injectable · Subq | 2–5 mg, sometimes 10 mg | 1x daily AM · 5 on 2 off or daily | 4–8 weeks (max 12 weeks) | 4–8 weeks | ~2–4 hrs plasma (tissue retention far longer) | No | Subq |
| Mitochondrial myopathy · MMPOWER-3 (2023) | 40 mg | Once daily | 24 weeks | Subcutaneous (study formulation) |
04 / RECONSTITUTION CALCULATOR
Mix & measure SS-31 · 10 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
- CONCENTRATION
- 10.00 mg/mL
- DRAW VOLUME
- 0.200 mL
- ON THE SYRINGE
- 20.0 units
- DOSES / VIAL
- 5
Reconstitution math only. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL.
Reconstitution GuideFull calculator →05 / STORAGE
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (powder)
Store in the freezer at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2–8 °C for shorter periods. Keep dry, sealed and away from light. Let a frozen vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and direct light, and avoid repeated temperature swings. Swirl gently — never shake.
Reconstitution steps
- Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Draw the BAC water and release it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don't shake.
- Label with the date and concentration and refrigerate.
06 / RESEARCH FINDINGS
What Research Shows
Human research
- Mitochondrial membrane function and cardiolipin interactions are research targets.
- MMPOWER-3 evaluated walking performance and fatigue in primary mitochondrial myopathy; it did not meet either primary efficacy endpoint.
Research context
The community identifies MTP-31 as SS-31 / elamipretide; this does not verify the vendor product. A disease-specific trial does not establish general anti-aging or exercise benefits.
07 / MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Investigational mechanism
Mitochondrial cardiolipin interactions
Elamipretide interacts with cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Research examines membrane organization and mitochondrial function; this does not itself establish a clinical benefit.
Adamantane & the blood–brain barrier
Chemically attaching an adamantane group to a peptide can increase its lipid (fat) solubility. Researchers hypothesize that this modification may help certain compounds cross the tightly regulated blood–brain barrier. The effect depends on the specific modified molecule; greater lipid solubility alone does not establish brain delivery or clinical benefit. This does not apply automatically to the unmodified peptide and is not a reconstitution additive.
08 / LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Lifestyle Factors
- Exercise: these compounds work alongside, not instead of, regular training — especially zone 2 cardio.
- Sleep and circadian rhythm: keep a consistent sleep schedule.
- Nutrition: whole-food diet with adequate protein; avoid chronic overeating.
- Track bloodwork (glucose, lipids, liver markers) before and during longer cycles.
09 / BENEFITS & SIDE EFFECTS
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Improved energy and exercise capacity
- Better insulin sensitivity and metabolic markers
- Support for mitochondrial function
- Potential fat-loss support (5-Amino-1MQ, AOD-9604, SLU-PP-332)
Side Effects
- Injection-site irritation
- NAD+: flushing, chest tightness or nausea if pushed too fast
- Fatigue or restlessness early in a cycle
- GI discomfort with oral compounds
10 / STUDIES
Studies & references
11 / SAFETY
Safety considerations
- Verify the active identity, lot number, and matching certificate of analysis. Testing does not by itself establish sterility or suitability for human use.
- Follow documented product-specific storage and preparation requirements; stability and diluent compatibility depend on the formulation.
- Research powders are not interchangeable with prescription formulations. Do not infer an injection or nasal protocol from a concentration calculation.
- For medical care, pregnancy, existing conditions, or medication interactions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
12 / RECOMMENDED SOURCE
Recommended Source
For research peptides, we point researchers to Orbitrex Peptides for SS-31.
Why Orbitrex?
- Family-owned & independently tested: Multiple laboratories verify quality, with batch-specific testing in every COA.
- Everyday value: Buy 4, Get 1 Free on eligible products.
- Loyalty credit: 5% back in loyalty credit for future purchases.
- VerifyPass discount: 20% off for qualifying groups — stacks with affiliate codes.
- Free 2nd Day shipping: Free UPS 2nd Day Air on orders $200+, applied automatically at checkout.
All products are for research use only. Availability and offers subject to change.