SS-31
Elamipretide
A mitochondria-targeting peptide studied in rare mitochondrial disease; approved as Forzinity for Barth syndrome only.
SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a small, water-soluble tetrapeptide that selectively targets the inner mitochondrial membrane. Developed as a Szeto-Schiller peptide, it's studied for mitochondrial dysfunction, which researchers link to aging and many chronic diseases. As of October 2026, it's FDA-approved as Forzinity (accelerated approval, September 2025) only for Barth syndrome, based on a 12-patient trial that missed its primary endpoints. This product is sold for research use only.
Read the research profile for mechanisms, citations, and safety context before comparing vendors. View the SS-31 research profile.
Key Benefits
Mechanism of Action
In cell and animal studies, SS-31 binds cardiolipin, a unique phospholipid essential for the structure of the inner mitochondrial membrane. This interaction stabilizes the membrane, helps hold electron transport chain components together, and keeps cytochrome c working as an electron carrier. In those models the result was more efficient electron transfer, less reactive oxygen species (ROS) and better ATP production. Human trials have had a harder time showing clear clinical benefit.
Dosing Guidelines
Typical Dose
2-10 mg/day
Frequency
1x daily
Duration
4-8 weeks
Note: These figures come from user reports, not trials: forum users describe about 0.5-4 mg a day by subcutaneous injection, often in the morning, and one protocol reached 10 mg a day. No study has tested timing. Most trials, in rare mitochondrial disease or dry macular degeneration, used 40 mg a day (60 mg in one). Vendors advise rotating injection sites. As of October 2026, SS-31's WADA status since approval is unverified.
Research & Studies
An overview of SS-31's mechanism, human trials and community-reported dosing.
Read Full ResearchWhat the Barth syndrome, mitochondrial myopathy and macular degeneration trials found.
Read Full ResearchHow the two peptides differ in mechanism and evidence for cellular metabolism.
Read Full ResearchAn exploration of cardiolipin's function within the inner mitochondrial membrane and how SS-31 binds it in cell and animal studies.
Read Full ResearchPotential Side Effects
Reported side effects may include:
- - Injection site reactions (redness, pain, itching): all 12 treated patients in the Barth trial
- - Allergic reactions, some serious (FDA)
- - Headache or fatigue (user reports)
- - Flushing or warmth (vendor lists)
- - Nausea or dizziness (vendor lists)
This information is for research purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional.
Popular Stacking Options
SS-31 + MOTS-c
Users often run SS-31 before or alongside MOTS-c, since the two act on different parts of mitochondrial metabolism. No study has tested the combination.
Shop this stackSS-31 + BPC-157
Some users add BPC-157, whose tissue-repair data come mostly from rodents, for recovery. No study has tested the pair.
Shop this stackSS-31 + GHK-Cu
Some users pair the two for skin and aging goals. GHK-Cu's human data are small topical studies, and no study has tested the combination.
Shop this stackFrequently Asked Questions
What makes SS-31 different from other anti-aging peptides?
Many anti-aging peptides act on growth hormone release or on skin and connective tissue. In cell and animal studies, SS-31 instead enters the mitochondria and binds cardiolipin to support energy production. Declining mitochondrial efficiency is one process linked to aging, but no human study has tested SS-31 for aging; its trials were in rare disease, heart failure and eye disease.
Is SS-31 safe to use?
In human trials, mostly at 40 mg a day, the most common side effects were mild-to-moderate injection site reactions; every treated patient in the 12-patient Barth trial had one. FDA also reports serious allergic reactions. These data come from the pharmaceutical-grade drug, not research-use-only products, so sourcing from a reputable supplier matters. Talk with a healthcare professional before considering any use.
How quickly can you expect to see results from SS-31?
No study has tested this in healthy people. In the Barth trial, knee strength didn't improve during the 28-week placebo-controlled part, only later in an open-label extension. On forums, some users report subtle improvements in energy and stamina soon after starting; others notice nothing.
Why is SS-31 so much more expensive than other peptides?
Vendors say the synthesis of SS-31 is a more complex and lower-yield process than for many common peptides, partly because its sequence includes a modified amino acid (dimethyltyrosine). We found no independent cost data.
More from this category
Compare nearby options in the same category before choosing a research product.
Epithalon
A synthetic four-amino-acid peptide studied for telomerase activity in cell culture and melatonin output in small human studies.
GHK-Cu
A copper peptide studied for skin aging and wound repair
Melanotan II
A synthetic melanocortin peptide studied for tanning and erections in small 1990s trials.
You might also like
These peptides share research keywords or protocol overlap with SS-31.
MOTS-c
A mitochondrial-encoded peptide studied in mice for insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity.
Ready to Purchase SS-31?
Get pharmaceutical-grade SS-31 from Simple Peptide with 99%+ purity, third-party lab testing, and same-day dispatch.
Buy SS-31 Now