TL;DR
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂) that preferentially localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane via affinity for cardiolipin. Developed by Szeto and Schiller at Weill Cornell, it has advanced through multiple clinical-stage research/advanced translational research contexts for mitochondrial diseases and is one of the most important research tools for investigating mitochondrial membrane integrity and bioenergetics.
Research use only. SS-31 has not received FDA approval for any human therapeutic indication and is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research purposes.
What is SS-31?
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂) that preferentially localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane via affinity for cardiolipin. Developed by Szeto and Schiller at Weill Cornell, it has advanced through multiple clinical-stage research/advanced translational research contexts for mitochondrial diseases and is one of the most important research tools for investigating mitochondrial membrane integrity and bioenergetics.
Research-grade SS-31 is supplied as a lyophilized powder with batch-specific Certificate of Analysis verification at ≥99% purity by HPLC.
Molecular Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅ |
| Molecular weight | 639.80 g/mol |
| Amino acid count | 4 |
| Purity standard | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Lyophilized storage | -20°C, 24–36 months |
| Reconstitution vehicle | Bacteriostatic water (primary), 0.6% acetic acid or saline (alternative) |
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
Published preclinical research has proposed several complementary mechanisms through which SS-31 may exert observed effects in laboratory models. No single mechanism has been fully validated in human contexts.
Cardiolipin binding
SS-31 selectively binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane without entering the matrix, stabilizing mitochondrial cristae architecture.
Cytochrome c stabilization
By preventing cardiolipin peroxidation, SS-31 preserves cytochrome c binding and electron transport chain function under oxidative stress.
Preserved ATP synthesis under stress
Published studies report maintained ATP production and reduced ROS generation in ischemia-reperfusion and aged tissue models.
Research Applications
Mitochondrial disease research
Barth syndrome, primary mitochondrial myopathy, and related genetic mitochondrial disease models — the clinical-stage indication for Elamipretide.
Ischemia-reperfusion research
Cardiac and renal I/R models examining mitochondrial preservation, infarct size, and functional recovery.
Aging biology research
Aged rodent studies examining mitochondrial function, cristae morphology, and bioenergetic markers in multiple tissue systems.
Storage and Reconstitution
- Lyophilized at -20°C in original sealed vial; typical shelf life 24–36 months.
- Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) is standard. Alternative vehicles include sterile saline or dilute acetic acid depending on experimental requirements.
- Reconstituted solution stored at 2–8°C, used within 7–28 days.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw of reconstituted peptide.
- Handling: Follow institutional biosafety protocols; use only in qualified research settings.
Regulatory Considerations
As of early 2026, SS-31 has no investigational human therapeutic indication. The peptide continues to be available for strictly in-vitro research purposes when properly labeled, sold to qualified researchers, and handled under appropriate institutional biosafety protocols. Researchers should consult current FDA guidance and institutional policies before acquiring any research peptide.
Research Gaps
Despite the substantial published literature on SS-31:
- Human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data remains limited.
- Proposed mechanisms require further validation in human-relevant systems.
- Long-term safety data across species is incomplete.
- Dose-response optimization for specific research applications continues to be an active research question.
- Independent cross-laboratory replication of specific findings is uneven across the literature.
These gaps represent ongoing research opportunities for careful, well-designed preclinical investigation using research-grade material with verified Certificate of Analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SS-31 approved for human use?
No. SS-31 has no investigational therapeutic indication. It is sold exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research in qualified research settings.
What purity standard should research-grade SS-31 meet?
Quality research-grade material should be ≥99% purity as verified by HPLC with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. Aureum Peptides provides COAs with every shipment and maintains a searchable COA portal.
How is SS-31 typically reconstituted for research?
Bacteriostatic water is the most common reconstitution vehicle. Alternative vehicles (sterile saline, dilute acetic acid) may be used depending on specific experimental protocols.
How long is reconstituted SS-31 stable?
Once reconstituted, the peptide is generally stored at 2–8°C and used within 7–28 days depending on specific handling and vehicle. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Where can I verify the Certificate of Analysis for my batch?
Aureum Peptides includes a batch-specific COA with every shipment and maintains an online COA portal accessible using the batch number printed on your vial.
References
- Szeto HH. AAPS J. 2014.
- Birk AV et al. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013.
- Zhao K et al. J Biol Chem. 2004.
- Karaa A et al. Neurology. 2018.
- Campbell MD et al. Aging Cell. 2019.
(Reference list abbreviated. Full bibliography with DOIs available on request.)
Shop Research-Grade SS-31
Order research-grade SS-31 from Aureum Peptides: SS-31 product page
All peptides ship with batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, ≥99% purity verification, and cold-chain logistics. Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 2:00 PM EST.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes published preclinical research for educational purposes to support qualified research activities. The information herein does not constitute research information, therapeutic claims, or recommendations for human use. SS-31 is not approved by the FDA for any therapeutic indication. Always consult institutional policies and applicable regulations when conducting research with peptides.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-21
Author: Aureum Peptides Scientific Writing Team
Category: Cellular Aging Research
Tags: SS-31, Elamipretide, cardiolipin, mitochondrial research
