SS-31

Description

SS-31 (also called elamipretide or bendavia) is a synthetic tetrapeptide that binds selectively to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The sequence (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) contains modified amino acids that give the compound an unusual pharmacokinetics and tissue-specific accumulation in mitochondria. SS-31 was developed in the Hazel Szeto lab at Cornell University and is well-established in the mitochondrial community.

The research mechanism lies in the stabilization of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin is a unique phospholipid that occurs almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is essential for the correct function of the respiratory chain and ATP synthase. SS-31 binds cardiolipin and stabilizes the membrane architecture in preclinical models, leading to preserved respiratory capacity and reduced oxidative stress.

In animal models, SS-31 has been associated with effects on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion damage, age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegenerative models and nephrological research setups. The compound database is extensive, with clinical studies in phase II and III for various indications.

A particularity of SS-31: accumulation in mitochondria is approximately 1000-fold higher than in cytoplasmic concentration, making the compound a highly selective mitochondrial research tool.

SS-31 is available in 10mg vials as 10-vial packs.

This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.

Risks & Safety

SS-31 is considered well tolerated per study reports and is better documented through phase II and III clinical studies than many other peptides.

Observed in research and user reports:

• Injection site: mild redness, pressure or transient irritation at the injection site is among the most common observations. In clinical studies, local reactions were the most frequently noted observation.
• Circulation: isolated reports of brief warmth, mild dizziness or headache shortly after application.
• Selective accumulation: the strong accumulation in mitochondria is mechanistically intended, but it also means that the long-term effects of sustained mitochondrial exposure in humans are not yet conclusively characterized.
• Limited long-term data: despite clinical studies, robust data on long-term non-clinical use is lacking. The profile rests on study data and animal models.

This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.

Studies

• SS-31 and mitochondrial function - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 2014: Mechanism characterization.
• Cardiolipin and mitochondrial membrane integrity - Biochimica et Biophysica Acta Bioenergetics 2014: Cardiolipin axis.
• Mitochondrial-targeted peptides in aging research - Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2016: Research context.