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Experimental/Mitochondrial / LongevityResearch peptide

SS-31

aka Elamipretide

Mitochondria-targeted peptide that binds cardiolipin to preserve electron-transport efficiency.

Educational explainer of a research peptide. Profiles in this section deliberately omit clinical-trial citations, dosing protocols, and purchase links. Not FDA-approved as a supplement; not a recommendation to use.

Overview

SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that selectively accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, stabilizing electron-transport-chain organization.

Source
  • Synthesized in research laboratories
Forms
  • Subcutaneous injection

Mechanism of action

Binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing peroxidation, preserving cristae architecture, and improving ATP yield per oxygen consumed.

Pathways
  • · Cardiolipin stabilization
  • · Reduced mitochondrial ROS
  • · Improved ATP per O2 ratio

How it acts on the body

Cardiolipin is the signature lipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane and the platform that organizes electron-transport-chain complexes. With aging or injury, cardiolipin becomes peroxidized, cristae collapse, and ATP production becomes leakier and ROS-heavier. SS-31 binds cardiolipin selectively and protects it from peroxidation.

In clinical trials it has shown signal in primary mitochondrial diseases, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and dry age-related macular degeneration — all conditions where mitochondrial efficiency is a rate-limiting factor.

Hormonal & endocrine impact

How this peptide is reported to shift specific hormones and signaling molecules. Directionality reflects research literature and preclinical models, not clinical prescribing data.

Projected hormonal trajectory
Illustrative curves derived from reported direction of effect. Not measured patient data.

Curves are schematic shapes (sigmoid for increases/decreases, damped oscillation for modulation/stabilization) anchored to a 100% baseline. They communicate direction and tempo of change reported in research literature — not absolute hormone concentrations.

Mitochondrial ROSDecreases
Less leakage from a more organized ETC.
ATP per O2 efficiencyIncreases
Each oxygen molecule produces more ATP.
Inflammatory signalingDecreases
Indirect via lower mitochondrial DAMPs.

Effects on the body

Optimizes
Mitochondrial ATP production
Decreases
Mitochondrial ROS leak
Supports
Cardiac and ocular tissues with high ATP demand

Organ system effects

Cardiovascular

Trials in HFpEF and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Eye

Trials in dry AMD.

Skeletal Muscle

Studied in primary mitochondrial myopathies.

Reported effects

Drawn from preclinical research, anecdote, and small-scale clinical observation. No evidence grades are assigned — most peptides on this page lack rigorous human trials.

  • Targeted mitochondrial protection
  • Clinical-trial pipeline in serious mitochondrial conditions

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Injection-site reactions
Rare
  • · Headache
Serious
  • · Trial outcomes mixed; not approved as a treatment

Drug interactions

No notable interactions reported.

Pairing context

Often combined with
  • Mitochondrial-supportive cofactors (CoQ10, B vitamins)
    Substrate adequacy supports the same machinery.
Avoid combining with
  • Unsupervised long-term use
    Safety profile not fully characterized.
Important. Research peptides described here are not FDA-approved supplements. Supplement Scholar does not endorse, recommend, or link to any source for purchase. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any peptide therapy.