What Is SS-31/Elamipretide?
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide and MTP-131 (CAS 736992-21-5), is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (where Dmt is 2,6-dimethyltyrosine). It has a molecular weight of 639.79 Da and molecular formula C32H49N7O5. The compound was originally developed at Weill Cornell Medical College by Dr. Hazel Szeto as part of the Szeto-Schiller (SS) series of mitochondria-targeted peptides. SS-31 is the most extensively studied member of this series and belongs to the longevity and anti-aging peptide category.
SS-31’s defining characteristic is its ability to selectively concentrate in the inner mitochondrial membrane at concentrations 1000-5000 fold greater than in the cytosol, driven by electrostatic interactions between its alternating aromatic-cationic motif and the anionic phospholipid cardiolipin. This mitochondrial targeting property distinguishes SS-31 from conventional antioxidants and has positioned it as a first-in-class compound for studying mitochondrial dysfunction in aging, cardiac disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Elamipretide is supplied as a research-use-only (RUO) compound. It has been the subject of multiple clinical-stage investigations but is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use. Access bulk supply through our wholesale peptide program.
Mechanism of Action
SS-31/Elamipretide’s mechanism of action is centered on its interaction with cardiolipin, a bis-phosphatidylglycerol lipid found exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin plays essential structural and functional roles in maintaining the integrity of the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, particularly Complex III and Complex IV, as well as ATP synthase (Complex V).
By binding to cardiolipin, SS-31 is hypothesized to stabilize the lipid’s structure, prevent its peroxidation by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and optimize the organization of ETC supercomplexes. This results in improved electron transfer efficiency, reduced electron leak (and therefore reduced mitochondrial ROS production), and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation. In essence, SS-31 improves mitochondrial bioenergetics from within the organelle rather than scavenging ROS after they are produced.
Additional mechanistic studies have demonstrated that SS-31 can reduce cytochrome c peroxidase activity while maintaining cytochrome c’s electron carrier function, and can prevent mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening under stress conditions. These effects are relevant to ischemia-reperfusion injury research and models of mitochondrial dysfunction. Researchers frequently study SS-31 alongside other longevity-focused compounds such as Epitalon, NAD+, and MOTS-c for comprehensive mitochondrial and aging research programs.
Research Applications
SS-31/Elamipretide has been investigated across a wide range of preclinical and translational research domains:
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Aging
Researchers have studied SS-31 extensively in aged animal models, documenting improvements in mitochondrial function as measured by oxygen consumption rate, ATP production, membrane potential, and ROS generation. In aged murine models, SS-31 administration has been associated with improved skeletal muscle function, exercise capacity, and cardiac performance. These findings are foundational to the compound’s position in the longevity research pipeline.
Cardiac and Ischemia-Reperfusion Research
SS-31 has been studied in multiple animal models of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. Researchers have documented reduced infarct size, improved left ventricular function, and decreased myocardial fibrosis following SS-31 treatment in preclinical models. These cardioprotective effects are attributed to preservation of mitochondrial structure and function during ischemic stress.
Renal and Kidney Research
Preclinical studies have examined SS-31’s effects in models of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease. The compound has been associated with preservation of renal tubular mitochondrial structure, reduced oxidative stress markers, and improved kidney function parameters in ischemia-reperfusion and unilateral ureteral obstruction models.
Neurodegenerative Disease Models
Researchers have investigated SS-31 in preclinical models of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Studies have examined its effects on neuronal mitochondrial function, synaptic bioenergetics, and neuroinflammation, with some reports documenting improved cognitive performance in treated animal groups. The neuroprotective research profile of SS-31 overlaps with that of Selank and other cognitive-function peptides.
For high-throughput screening and longitudinal aging studies, visit the SS-31 wholesale pricing page.
Available Formats and Bulk Options
SS-31/Elamipretide is available from Wholesale Bulk Peptides in multiple formats:
- 5 mg lyophilized vials — suitable for mitochondrial respiration assays, cell culture studies, and pilot in vivo experiments
- 10 mg lyophilized vials — optimized for dose-response studies and extended preclinical protocols
- Bulk lyophilized powder — gram-scale quantities for CROs, academic core facilities, and private-label peptide brands
Custom formulations available for qualified accounts. Apply through the wholesale program application.
Wholesale Pricing Summary
SS-31/Elamipretide wholesale pricing is volume-tiered to serve institutional buyers, contract research organizations, and peptide resellers. Pricing details, MOQs, and lead times are available at the SS-31 wholesale page. New accounts can apply through the wholesale program portal.
Quality Assurance, Testing, and COAs
Every batch of SS-31/Elamipretide undergoes comprehensive analytical testing:
- HPLC — purity confirmation of 98% or greater with chromatographic identity verification
- Mass Spectrometry — validates the 639.79 Da molecular weight and confirms the D-Arg and Dmt non-standard residue integrity
- Chiral Analysis — verifies D-arginine stereochemistry critical to mitochondrial targeting
- Endotoxin Testing (LAL) — ensures suitability for in vivo and cell-based mitochondrial assays
Batch-specific COAs accompany every shipment. Visit our COA library and testing methodology page for complete details. The Peptide COA Guide helps interpret analytical results.
Storage and Stability
Store SS-31/Elamipretide lyophilized powder at -20 degrees Celsius, protected from light and moisture. The peptide maintains stability for 24+ months under these conditions. Reconstitute with sterile water or appropriate buffer and store at 2-8 degrees Celsius for use within 14-21 days. The Dmt residue is somewhat susceptible to oxidation; work under inert gas and minimize light exposure. Aliquot reconstituted material into single-use volumes to avoid freeze-thaw degradation.
Compliance and Intended Use
SS-31/Elamipretide is supplied by Wholesale Bulk Peptides for research use only (RUO). It is not a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive. While Elamipretide has been the subject of advanced clinical-stage research, the material distributed through our wholesale program is intended exclusively for qualified laboratory investigation. Purchasers must maintain compliance with all applicable regulations and ensure clear RUO labeling on all downstream products.
Related Compounds
Researchers investigating SS-31/Elamipretide frequently study complementary mitochondrial and longevity compounds:
- NAD+ — a critical coenzyme for sirtuin-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and DNA repair
- MOTS-c — a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic regulation and exercise mimetic effects
- Epitalon — a telomerase-activating tetrapeptide studied in aging and neuroendocrine research
- GHK-Cu — a copper-peptide studied for gene expression modulation relevant to mitochondrial and tissue-repair pathways
Browse the complete longevity and anti-aging peptide catalog. For brand-building, see our Start a Peptide Brand resource.
Frequently Asked Questions About SS-31/Elamipretide
Our team addresses frequently asked wholesale buyer questions about SS-31/Elamipretide covering chiral purity verification, mitochondrial assay compatibility, storage protocols, and analytical documentation. For product-specific FAQs, see the SS-31 wholesale page. For general questions, visit the wholesale peptides hub.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational and research purposes only. SS-31/Elamipretide is sold as a Research Use Only (RUO) compound. It is not intended for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. All buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and institutional guidelines. Wholesale Bulk Peptides makes no claims regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any purpose other than qualified laboratory research.