SS-31
Mechanism of action
What SS-31 does in the body — step by step.
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).
Research status
How far along is the evidence?
Known risks
Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:
Cited studies
Chronological — links lead to the source.
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.
What is SS-31 used for?+
In research, SS-31 has primarily been investigated in the context of: Anti-aging, Recovery. These are research findings (evidence: early clinical studies), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.
Is SS-31 legal in Germany?+
SS-31 is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.
Is SS-31 FDA-approved / legal in the US?+
No. SS-31 is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.
Is SS-31 legal in Canada?+
No. SS-31 is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.
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.
What is the dosage of SS-31?+
Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for SS-31; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.
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: MOTS-c, Epithalon. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Dossier
Legal · Structure · Sources.
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.
Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.