SS-31

What it is

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It binds to cardiolipin — a phospholipid that is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the electron transport chain complexes. By stabilising cardiolipin, SS-31 preserves the architecture of the electron transport chain, reduces electron leak (and associated reactive oxygen species production), and maintains efficient ATP synthesis. In mitochondria damaged by ageing, ischaemia, or chronic disease, this stabilisation restores function.

Mitochondrial energy efficiency improves — cells produce more ATP with less oxidative byproduct. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause cellular ageing and damage decline. Tissues with high mitochondrial demand (heart, skeletal muscle, kidney, brain) show the most marked response. Post-exercise recovery improves. In post-ischaemic or post-viral recovery contexts, cellular energy levels normalise.

• Preserved cardiac mitochondrial function following ischaemia-reperfusion injury
• Improvement in exercise capacity and skeletal muscle function in heart failure models
• Reduction in mitochondrial ROS production
• Protection against age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction
• Clinical trials in heart failure and Barth syndrome (mitochondrial disease) underway

Who it's for

• Mitochondrial longevity and anti-ageing protocols
• Post-illness recovery — long COVID, post-viral fatigue, ischaemic events
• Athletic performance and recovery where mitochondrial efficiency is the limiting factor
• Pairing with NAD+ and MOTS-c for a complete mitochondrial stack

• Pregnancy (insufficient data)
• Those with severe cardiac conditions — use under cardiological supervision
• Expectation of rapid dramatic results — SS-31 effects are cellular and cumulative over weeks

Protocol guidance

Contraindications & cautions

• Research is primarily preclinical with some cardiac clinical trials — human longevity data is emerging
• Well-tolerated in available studies
• Avoid combining with other mitochondria-targeting compounds without guidance on dosing overlap

Pairs well with

Research