Supplement Scholar
Peptide

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

SS-31 (Elamipretide). Mitochondrial-targeted peptide for cardiolipin protection.

How it works. Binds cardiolipin, stabilizes mitochondrial cristae.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves mitochondrial function (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 40 mg subcutaneous.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3, CoQ10, NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR).

Common forms. Available as Subcutaneous injection, Oral or sublingual lozenge, Nasal spray, Compounded topical.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried SS-31 (Elamipretide). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

SS-31 (Elamipretide). Mitochondrial-targeted peptide for cardiolipin protection.

Molecular structureC32H49N9O5 · 639.8 g/mol

What it is

Mitochondrial-targeted peptide for cardiolipin protection.

Food sources

Synthetic peptide manufactured to pharmaceutical or research-grade puritySubcutaneous injection, sublingual, or oral preparation depending on bioavailabilityCompounded by a licensed pharmacy for clinical use

Goals

Cardiovascular HealthHealthy Aging

How it works

Binds cardiolipin, stabilizes mitochondrial cristae.

Pathways

  • Binds cardiolipin, stabilizes mitochondrial cristae

Effects

  • +mitochondrial function supports

What the research supports

Improves mitochondrial functionmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
40 mg subcutaneous
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the subcutaneous injection form.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Injection site reactions

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose SS-31 (Elamipretide) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
  • CoQ10Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.
  • NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.

Common forms

  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Oral or sublingual lozenge
  • Nasal spray
  • Compounded topical

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: SS-31 (Elamipretide) — Improves mitochondrial function ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching SS-31 (Elamipretide) and "Improves mitochondrial function". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: SS-31 (Elamipretide) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching SS-31 (Elamipretide) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: SS-31 (Elamipretide) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching SS-31 (Elamipretide) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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