SS31
A mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide. SS-31 (Elamipretide) concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is studied for cardioprotection and mitochondrial function.
Compound Profile
Pharmaceutical Data Sheet
Mechanism of Action
How SS31 Works
SS-31 (Elamipretide, MTP-131) is a cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that preferentially concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) at 1000× plasma concentration. It binds cardiolipin — the signature phospholipid of the IMM that scaffolds electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I, III, and IV into supercomplexes. By stabilizing cardiolipin-ETC interactions, SS-31 restores electron flow efficiency and reduces electron leak-generated ROS.
- Binds cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane
- Prevents cardiolipin oxidation by ROS
- Stabilizes Complex I, III, IV supercomplexes
- Restores electron transport chain efficiency
- Reduces mitochondrial superoxide production
- Scavenges H₂O₂ via tyrosine residue chemistry
- Reduces lipid peroxidation in IMM
- Protects mtDNA from oxidative damage
- Restores ATP production in ischemia-reperfusion
- Improves ATP/ADP ratio in aging tissue
- Reverses energy deficit in heart failure myocardium
- Enhances mitochondrial membrane potential
Cardiolipin oxidation (from aging, ischemia, or disease) disrupts ETC supercomplex assembly, reducing ATP production efficiency and increasing electron leak and superoxide generation. SS-31 binds directly to cardiolipin, preventing its oxidation and restoring supercomplex integrity. This simultaneously rescues ATP production and suppresses mitochondrial ROS — a dual therapeutic action at the root of mitochondrial aging pathology.
Szeto HH, Pharm Res (2014): First-in-class cardioprotective peptides target cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane.
Preclinical Findings
Research Models
Clinical Data
Phase 2: Improved Exercise Capacity in HFpEF Patients
The MMTT Phase 2 trial of elamipretide (SS-31) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) demonstrated significant improvement in 6-minute walk distance and quality of life scores after 28-day treatment — with the largest improvements in patients with highest mitochondrial dysfunction at baseline.
Daubert MA et al., JACC Heart Failure (2017): Elamipretide in HFpEF — Phase 2 MMTT trial.
Phase 2 RCT, HFpEF patients, n=72, 28-day infusion
Research Outcomes
Key Research Success Metrics
Safety Profile
Research Safety Notes
- Generally well-tolerated in Phase 1 and 2 trials in heart failure patients
- Most common adverse event: mild injection-site reactions with subcutaneous dosing
- No significant hepatic, renal, or cardiac signal in safety monitoring
- Phase 3 trials ongoing — comprehensive safety database being built
- No immunogenic response expected from the synthetic tetrapeptide
SS-31 / Elamipretide is in active Phase 3 clinical development. For research use only.
About SS31
A mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide. SS-31 (Elamipretide) concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is studied for cardioprotection and mitochondrial function.
All EVO Labs Research compounds are manufactured to research-grade standards and independently tested by Janoshik Analytical (Prague, est. 2013). The Certificate of Analysis for this compound includes full HPLC chromatography data, mass spectrometry confirmation, net purity percentage, and net content verification.
Research Use Only
This product is strictly for in vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. By purchasing, you confirm use in a controlled research setting.
