Structure · schematic
Peptide chain · Mitochondriales Peptid
Sequence
D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid.
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic, cell-permeable tetrapeptide (D-Arg-2′6′-dimethyltyrosine-Lys-Phe-NH₂).
- It accumulates selectively in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds cardiolipin — a phospholipid found exclusively in mitochondria that stabilises cristae structure and the function of the respiratory chain.
- Through cardiolipin binding, SS-31 reduces oxidative stress, stabilises the electron transport chain (complexes I–IV), increases ATP production and prevents the release of cytochrome c (an apoptotic signal).
- This mechanism is independent of cell type and disease context — which explains its broad application spectrum in research.
Research status
- SS-31 is the scientifically most advanced mitochondria-targeted agent.
- On 19 September 2025, the FDA granted elamipretide (Forzinity, Stealth BioTherapeutics) accelerated approval for the treatment of Barth syndrome — a rare paediatric mitochondrial cardiomyopathy.
- This is the world's first FDA approval of a mitochondria-targeted therapeutic.
- Further clinical studies investigated SS-31 in heart failure (Phase II in Circulation: Heart Failure, 2020), diabetic cardiomyopathy and kidney disease.
- An EMA approval does not yet exist.
- Anti-aging applications in healthy individuals are not clinically substantiated.
Evidence level
Cited studies
- 2014The mitochondria-targeted peptide SS-31 prevents mitochondrial membrane potential loss and apoptosis induced by β-amyloid
- 2014Bendavia, a mitochondria-targeting peptide, is chosen for Phase II clinical study of the treatment of heart failure
- 2020Elamipretide (SS-31) treatment improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress in skeletal muscle of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Known risks
- 01Clinical studies showed an overall favourable safety profile (predominantly local injection-site reactions)
- 02Long-term data outside controlled studies are lacking
- 03The FDA approval relates to a very specific rare disease — transferability to other indications is not established
- 04Quality control not guaranteed from research-chemical sources
Frequently asked questions
What is SS-31?
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic, cell-permeable tetrapeptide (D-Arg-2′6′-dimethyltyrosine-Lys-Phe-NH₂).
What type of peptide is SS-31?
SS-31 belongs to the Mitochondrial peptide class.
Is SS-31 legal in Germany?
SS-31 is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.
Where can I buy SS-31?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. SS-31 is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is SS-31 banned in sport (WADA)?
SS-31 is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.
What are the known risks of SS-31?
Documented risks include: Clinical studies showed an overall favourable safety profile (predominantly local injection-site reactions); Long-term data outside controlled studies are lacking. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is SS-31?
The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of SS-31?
SS-31 has a molar mass of about 639.8 Da.
Which peptides are related to SS-31?
Closely related entries: Epithalon, MOTS-c. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
not approvedAustria
not approvedSwitzerland
not approvedEU
not approvedUSA
not approvedCanada
not approvedLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 3 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 11764719
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 28 May 2026
Legal assessment
Elamipretide (Forzinity) has been approved in the USA for Barth syndrome since September 2025 — an EMA approval for the EU does not exist. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, SS-31 is not an approved medicine. Not on the WADA list. Import for non-scientific purposes is legally unclear.
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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