SS-31

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a small tetrapeptide that accumulates in the mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses. The key lies in its binding to cardiolipin.

Mechanism of action under investigation

Cardiolipin is a unique lipid molecule in the inner mitochondrial membrane that plays an important role in energy production. In research, SS-31 binds to cardiolipin, and studies are being conducted to investigate how it affects the structure of this membrane and the efficiency of energy production. Its role in limiting reactive oxygen species is also a topic of research. This makes SS-31 one of the best-known mitochondria-targeting research peptides.

This description relates to the mechanism of action as studied in research and does not constitute evidence of efficacy in humans.

Because SS-31 accumulates specifically in the mitochondria, it is a targeted tool for studying processes within this cellular component. Furthermore, its binding to cardiolipin makes it one of the first peptides to act directly on the structure of the mitochondrial membrane, which distinguishes it from broader-spectrum antioxidants. This specificity makes SS-31 a key molecule in research into mitochondrial health.

SS-31 has been the subject of study in the field of mitochondrial research for some time and has become a reference molecule in this field.

• Research focus: binding to cardiolipin in the mitochondrial membrane.
• Research focus: energy production efficiency and reactive oxygen species.
• Research focus: mitochondrial function in relation to ageing.

Status and context

The clinically developed form of SS-31, elamipretide, was granted accelerated approval by the US FDA in September 2025 (under the brand name Forzinity) for a rare, inherited condition: Barth syndrome. That approval applies exclusively to that specific medical indication. The SS-31 offered here is a research compound, intended solely for laboratory and research purposes — it is not a medicinal product.

The clinical development of elamipretide demonstrates the extent to which SS-31 is being investigated, but that approval applies exclusively to a single rare condition. For the researcher, this underlines the importance of carefully monitoring the distinction between the authorised medicinal product and the investigational compound. A pure starting material, documented on a batch-by-batch basis, remains the foundation for reliable work.

SS-31 is supplied as a lyophilised powder and reconstituted in the laboratory using bacteriostatic water. The steps below describe only the laboratory procedures for research purposes.

1. 1Allow the vial and the bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature.
2. 2Wipe the rubber stoppers of both vials with an alcohol wipe.
3. 3Allow the bacteriostatic water to run slowly down the side of the vial; do not direct it straight onto the powder.
4. 4Gently swirl the vial until everything has dissolved; do not shake.
5. 5Store the solution in the fridge and label it with the date and batch number.

This is a laboratory instruction and not a dosage recommendation for consumption.

Combining approaches in research

SS-31 is supplied as a lyophilised powder and reconstituted in the lab using bacteriostatic water. Supplies such as bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes and alcohol wipes can be found under ‘Lab & Accessories’. In longevity research, it is sometimes studied alongside NAD+, as both are involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. Document each compound separately, specifying its purity and batch number, so that observations remain traceable.

Carry out the work in a standardised manner and document the method, concentration and batch number for each experiment. Prepare only the quantity you need in the short term.

Store SS-31 in its lyophilised (powder) form in a cool, dark place to ensure maximum stability.

Practical storage tips

• Powder form: freezer (-20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) for short-term storage.
• After reconstitution: store refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use within a few weeks.
• Avoid direct light, heat and repeated temperature changes.
• Write the reconstitution date and batch number on the vial.

Consistent, cold and dark storage ensures reliable, reproducible measurement results across experiments.

Check the solution for clarity before use. Consistent, cold storage helps to ensure repeatable measurement results.