SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. Binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane to optimise electron transport, reduce ROS, and enhance ATP production. FDA-approved for Barth syndrome.
Overview
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. Binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane to optimise electron transport, reduce ROS, and enhance ATP production. FDA-approved for Barth syndrome.
May improve markers of mitochondrial function and exercise capacity. No significant direct impact on standard blood markers, hormones, lipids, or liver enzymes. May reduce oxidative stress markers. Injection site reactions common (~80% in trials).
Compound Guide
Structure: Synthetic cell-permeable tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2). Selectively accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds cardiolipin.
Dosage:
- Standard: 5mg/day SubQ (weeks 1-2) → 10mg/day (weeks 3-8)
- Advanced: 15-20mg/day under medical supervision
- Cycle: 8-12 weeks
Administration:
- SubQ injection, once daily
- 27-30g insulin syringe
- Rotate injection sites — site reactions are very common
Key Notes:
- Stabilises cardiolipin in mitochondrial membranes → optimises electron transport chain → more ATP, less ROS (reactive oxygen species)
- FDA accelerated approval (2025) for Barth syndrome — investigational for heart failure, kidney disease, neurodegeneration
- Injection site reactions (redness, itching) affect ~80% of users — typically resolve within hours
- No dose-limiting toxicities reported in published clinical trials
- Bodybuilding relevance: mitochondrial optimisation for energy production, recovery, anti-aging, cardioprotection during AAS use
- May protect against the mitochondrial damage caused by oxidative stress from heavy training and PED use
- Emerging compound — limited real-world bodybuilding data
- Monitor: no specific blood markers required, but oxidative stress markers (if available) may show improvement
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, store refrigerated
Usage History
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Reference
Category
Peptide
Half-Life
~4 hours
Detection Time
N/A