What is SS-31?
SS-31, also elamipretide, is a small peptide that travels specifically into the mitochondria and binds cardiolipin there, an important building block of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The idea: stabilize the cell's energy production, especially when the mitochondria are weakened.
How it works
By binding cardiolipin, SS-31 is meant to stabilize the inner membrane, make the electron transport chain more efficient and produce fewer harmful oxygen radicals. In models this improved mitochondrial function in stressed cells.
What you need
- The SS-31 vial (lyophilized powder).
- Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.
Reconstitution
Use the calculator above. A 10mg vial with 2ml water gives 5mg per ml, 5mg is then 20 units on the U-100 syringe. Just add the water to the vial and let it dissolve.
Dosing
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Injection
Subcutaneous into the subcutaneous fat. Disinfect the site, pinch a skin fold, rotate sites.
What the research shows
A randomized dose-escalation study (Karaa, 2018) tested elamipretide in patients with primary mitochondrial myopathy and saw a dose-dependent trend toward better walking distance. Later larger studies were mixed. So SS-31 is seriously studied clinically but no guaranteed sure thing.
Side effects
- Injection-site reactions (redness, swelling) are the most common in the studies.
- Headache, gastrointestinal complaints.
Storage
Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.