← Library
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Research Use
Also known as Bendavia, MTP-131
Function
Primary
Mitochondrial dysfunction · Primary mitochondrial myopathy (orphan)
Secondary
Heart failure · Dry AMD
Mechanism
Aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that selectively binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane — restores cristae structure, ATP synthesis, and reduces ROS.
Evidence
Clinical RCT (Limited)
Research
Phase 3 trials in Barth syndrome and primary mitochondrial myopathy
Dosing
Range
40 mg/day (SQ, trials)
Frequency
Daily
Route
Subcutaneous
Administration & Technique
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Default route for most research and therapeutic peptides — best absorption for reconstituted powder.
Device31G × 5/16" insulin syringe (U-100). 100 units = 1 mL.
TechniquePinch skin at abdomen (2" from navel), outer thigh, or love handle. Insert at 45–90°. Rotate sites daily to prevent lipohypertrophy. Alcohol-swab site, air-dry, inject slow, hold 5 sec.
Injection & Application Sites
Front
Back
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
- Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.
- Flank / love handle — Lateral fat pad above the hip. Good rotation site when the abdomen is tender.
- Outer thigh — Upper outer quadrant, a hand-width below the hip. SubQ pinch at 45°.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
Continuous daily dosing in trials.
Timing & Interactions
When to take
Once daily SubQ, consistent time of day.
Do not combine with
- ·No known peptide contraindications; check with cardiologist if on QT-prolonging drugs
Complements
- ·MOTS-c, Humanin for broader mitochondrial support
Storage & Reconstitution
Powder (Pre-Reconstitution)
Freeze –20°C for long-term; refrigerate short-term.
After Reconstitution
Refrigerated up to 4 weeks.
Reconstitution Calculator
Concentration
2.50 mg/mL
Volume per dose
0.100 mL
Insulin syringe
10.0 units (U-100)
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
Your Notes
Your Notes
Sign in to save personal notes on SS-31 (Elamipretide) and sync them to Vial Lab.
Benefits
- ·Improved mitochondrial bioenergetics
- ·Restored cristae morphology
- ·Improved 6-min walk in some trials
Risks
- ·Injection-site reactions
- ·Mixed late-stage trial results
- ·Unknown chronic safety
Contraindications
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Known hypersensitivity
Regulatory
Investigational (Stealth BioTherapeutics) — orphan & fast-track designations
Veterinary Use (Pets)
Research use in mitochondrial and cardiac disease models in dogs; not commercially available for vet use.
Dogs (Canine)
DoseResearch protocols only
RouteSubQ
UseDCM, mitochondrial myopathy (research).
No approved veterinary formulation.
Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Szeto HH. Cardiolipin-targeted peptide SS-31 (Elamipretide). Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171:2029.source