SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Buy SS-31 Elamipretide | Trusted Cardiolipin-Binding Mitochondrial Research Tetrapeptide | PrimaLab Peptide

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide and one of the most extensively studied mitochondria-targeted research compounds in peptide science. Developed by Dr. Hazel Szeto and Dr. Peter Schiller at Cornell University — hence the “SS” (Szeto-Schiller) designation — SS-31 was specifically engineered with alternating cationic and aromatic residues that enable selective binding to cardiolipin, a phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Researchers who buy SS-31 Elamipretide use it to investigate cardiolipin biology, mitochondrial membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) management, ATP production in compromised mitochondria, ischemia-reperfusion mechanisms, and mitochondrial protective pathways in in vitro and in vivo research models. PrimaLab Peptide supplies research-grade SS-31 at ≥99.2% purity, independently verified by Janoshik Analytical via HPLC and LC-MS, with a full batch-specific Certificate of Analysis included with every order.

What Is SS-31 (Elamipretide)?

SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg–Dmt–Lys–Phe–NH₂, where Dmt represents the non-natural amino acid 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine. The compound carries several synonymous designations in the published literature: SS-31 (Szeto-Schiller 31, reflecting its position in a numbered series of related compounds), Elamipretide (its INN), MTP-131 (Mitochondria-Targeting Peptide 131), and Bendavia (its clinical development name). These are all the same compound — researchers should verify which name is used in the specific publications they are referencing.

The structural design of SS-31 is mechanistically intentional: the alternating cationic (D-Arg, Lys) and aromatic (Dmt, Phe) residues create an amphipathic pattern that enables high-affinity binding to cardiolipin’s characteristic tetra-acyl phospholipid head group. Cardiolipin is almost exclusively localised to the inner mitochondrial membrane, making this binding selectivity the basis for SS-31’s mitochondrial targeting without requiring any mitochondria-specific transport sequences. A comprehensive overview of SS-31’s mechanism and cardiolipin biology is available through NIH-published research on SS-31 and cardiolipin.

Key structural and pharmacological features relevant to research:

• Molecular formula: C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅ | MW: 639.8 g/mol | CAS: 736992-21-5 | PubChem CID: 11764719
• Dmt residue light sensitivity: The dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) residue at position 2 is an aromatic residue sensitive to UV exposure — protect from direct light during reconstitution and storage
• Cell-permeable tetrapeptide: SS-31’s small size and amphipathic design enable cell permeability and direct mitochondrial membrane access without requiring specific transporters

SS-31 Research Background — One of the Strongest Profiles in Its Class

SS-31 has one of the strongest and most diverse research profiles of any mitochondria-targeted research peptide, spanning from in vitro cardiolipin binding characterisation through to Phase 2 and Phase 3 human clinical trials — making it a reference compound for the broader field of mitochondria-targeted research. Key research milestones include:

• Cardiolipin binding mechanism: Foundational research established SS-31’s selective binding to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, demonstrating its concentration at this specific subcellular location and its stabilising effects on cristae membrane structure
• Electron transport chain research: Studies have examined SS-31’s effects on stabilising electron transport chain (ETC) complexes — particularly Complex I, Complex III, and cytochrome c — reducing electron leak and ROS production while supporting ATP synthesis efficiency
• Ischemia-reperfusion research: Multiple published in vivo animal studies examined SS-31 in kidney and cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury models, studying its effects on mitochondrial morphology recovery, ATP restoration, and tissue injury biomarkers
• Neuroscience research models: Research in rodent models has examined SS-31’s effects on mitochondrial function in hippocampal tissue, experimental glaucoma models, and neurodegenerative disease-relevant research systems
• Clinical trial history: SS-31 (as Elamipretide/Bendavia) advanced into Phase 2 and Phase 3 human clinical trials — the primary investigated indications were mitochondrial myopathy and cardiovascular/kidney disease. It received FDA Orphan Drug Designation and European Medicines Agency Orphan Designation for mitochondrial myopathy, recognising the unmet medical need in this rare disease. Phase 3 expectations in mitochondrial myopathy were not met as of 2020; research in other clinical areas continued. SS-31 remains one of the only mitochondria-targeted peptides with published human clinical data — making it the key reference compound for translational mitochondrial research

The full published research literature on SS-31 is available through PubMed research on SS-31 and Elamipretide.

SS-31 Research Applications

SS-31’s selective cardiolipin binding and inner mitochondrial membrane concentration make it a versatile research tool across multiple research disciplines:

• Cardiolipin biology research: SS-31 is the primary research tool for studying cardiolipin’s roles in ETC organisation, cristae morphology maintenance, cytochrome c binding, and apoptosis regulation — providing a pharmacological approach to cardiolipin function research
• Mitochondrial ROS research: Studies have examined SS-31’s effects on mitochondrial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production, exploring how cardiolipin stabilisation reduces electron leak from the ETC
• ATP production research: Research has studied SS-31’s effects on ATP synthesis efficiency in mitochondria under various stress conditions, including models of oxidative stress, nutrient deprivation, and ischemia-reperfusion
• Mitochondrial morphology research: Studies have examined SS-31’s effects on mitochondrial cristae structure, fusion/fission dynamics, and mitochondrial network morphology in cell culture research
• Cardiac and renal research models: SS-31 has been studied in cardiac and renal ischemia-reperfusion research models, heart failure models, and chronic kidney disease models in animal research
• Skeletal muscle mitochondrial research: Research has examined SS-31’s effects on mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle research models relevant to exercise biology and sarcopenia research
• Longevity and aging research: SS-31 is studied in the context of age-associated mitochondrial decline, frequently used alongside longevity-focused compounds including NAD+, Epitalon, MOTS-c, and Glutathione in comprehensive cellular aging and longevity research programs

Purity & Third-Party Testing

Every batch of SS-31 supplied by PrimaLab Peptide is independently tested by Janoshik Analytical — an independent analytical laboratory with no commercial interest in the result:

• HPLC — quantitative purity confirmed at ≥99.2% — meaning less than 1% of the material is anything other than SS-31
• LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) — molecular identity confirmation (MW: 639.8 g/mol, CAS: 736992-21-5), verifying both the correct tetrapeptide sequence and the non-natural Dmt residue at position 2

LC-MS identity verification is particularly important for SS-31 because of the non-natural Dmt residue — standard amino acid analysis cannot distinguish Dmt from tyrosine, making mass spectrometry the definitive identity confirmation method. The batch-specific COA shows both purity and identity data in a single verifiable document, included with every order.

Storage & Reconstitution

• Long-term storage (sealed, lyophilized): −20°C, away from light. SS-31 is shipped as white lyophilized powder and is stable during short transit at ambient temperature — refrigerate or freeze immediately on arrival
• Short-term storage (lyophilized): 2–8°C is acceptable for days to a couple of weeks with minimal repeated access
• Light protection: The Dmt (dimethyltyrosine) aromatic residue is sensitive to UV — protect from direct light during reconstitution and storage
• After reconstitution: Use sterile water or your research buffer of choice. Reconstitute only the volume needed for immediate use. Store reconstituted solution at 2–8°C and use promptly — or aliquot and freeze at −20°C for longer storage
• Reconstitution technique: Add sterile water slowly and gently swirl — do not shake or vortex. SS-31 is generally readily soluble in aqueous buffers given its cationic character
• Freeze-thaw cycles: Avoid repeated freeze-thaw of reconstituted solution — each cycle introduces moisture stress and risks Dmt oxidation. Aliquot before freezing if multiple uses are planned

Product Specifications

Full Name	Szeto-Schiller Peptide 31 (Elamipretide)
Synonyms	SS-31, MTP-131, Bendavia, Elamipretide
Sequence	D-Arg–Dmt–Lys–Phe–NH₂
Molecular Formula	C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular Weight	639.8 g/mol
CAS Number	736992-21-5
PubChem CID	11764719
Purity	≥99.2% (Janoshik HPLC + LC-MS verified)
Form	Lyophilized white powder
Available Sizes	10mg, 50mg
Storage (long-term)	−20°C, away from light
Storage (short-term)	2–8°C for days to weeks
Reconstitution	Sterile water or research buffer of choice
Light Sensitivity	Protect from UV — Dmt residue sensitive
Testing Lab	Janoshik Analytical (independent third-party)
COA	Batch-specific — included with every order
Intended Use	In vitro / in vivo laboratory research only

Frequently Asked Questions — SS-31 Elamipretide

What is SS-31 Elamipretide used for in research?

Researchers who buy SS-31 Elamipretide use it to investigate cardiolipin biology and inner mitochondrial membrane structure, electron transport chain stabilisation and ROS reduction, ATP synthesis efficiency in stressed mitochondria, ischemia-reperfusion injury mechanisms in cardiac and renal research models, skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, neurological mitochondrial research, and age-associated mitochondrial decline. Its unique status as the only mitochondria-targeted peptide with published Phase 2/3 clinical trial data makes it the reference compound for translational mitochondrial research. Fully published literature is available on PubMed.

Why does SS-31 selectively target mitochondria?

SS-31’s mitochondrial selectivity arises from its structural design rather than a specific transport sequence. The alternating cationic (D-Arg, Lys) and aromatic (Dmt, Phe) residues create an amphipathic pattern with high binding affinity for cardiolipin, a phospholipid with a distinctive tetra-acyl structure found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This selective cardiolipin binding concentrates SS-31 at the inner mitochondrial membrane specifically, giving it functional access to ETC complexes and cardiolipin-dependent mitochondrial processes without requiring mitochondria-specific transport proteins.

Why does the Dmt residue matter, and why is LC-MS important for SS-31 verification?

The 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) at position 2 of SS-31 is a non-natural amino acid that contributes both to cardiolipin binding affinity and to the compound’s metabolic stability and antioxidant activity. It is also UV-sensitive — requiring light protection during handling. From an analytical standpoint, Dmt cannot be distinguished from tyrosine by standard amino acid analysis, making mass spectrometry the definitive identity confirmation method. Janoshik’s LC-MS verification confirms the correct MW (639.8 g/mol) which matches the Dmt-containing sequence rather than a Tyr-substituted analogue (which would show a different MW), providing robust identity confirmation beyond HPLC purity alone.

What is SS-31’s clinical trial history, and what does it mean for research?

SS-31 (as Elamipretide/Bendavia) progressed further into human clinical development than almost any other mitochondria-targeted research peptide — reaching Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials for mitochondrial myopathy and cardiovascular/kidney disease indications. It received FDA and EMA Orphan Drug Designation for mitochondrial myopathy. Phase 3 primary endpoints for mitochondrial myopathy were not met as of 2020, and research in other areas continued. For researchers, this clinical history means SS-31 has published human pharmacokinetic, safety, and translational data available — making it the essential reference standard for any new mitochondria-targeted research compound and the most clinically contextualised mitochondrial peptide available for preclinical research design.

What compounds are commonly studied alongside SS-31 in longevity and mitochondrial research?

Researchers buying SS-31 Elamipretide for mitochondrial and longevity research frequently explore complementary compounds from PrimaLab Peptide’s Wellness & Longevity category, including NAD+ (cellular energy metabolism and sirtuin activation), MOTS-c (mitochondria-derived AMPK activation peptide), Epitalon (telomerase and longevity research), and Glutathione (master antioxidant and redox balance). Browse the complete Wellness & Longevity category.

Is SS-31 from PrimaLab Peptide independently tested?

Yes. Every batch is independently verified by Janoshik Analytical — an independent laboratory with no commercial interest in the result — at ≥99.2% purity via HPLC and LC-MS identity confirmation (MW: 639.8 g/mol, CAS: 736992-21-5). The batch-specific COA includes both purity and identity data and is included with every order. Unlike in-house supplier testing, Janoshik’s independent analysis provides unbiased verification that researchers can cite in their research documentation.

Related Research Compounds

Researchers buying SS-31 Elamipretide for mitochondrial and longevity research frequently explore:

• NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) — cellular energy coenzyme for sirtuin activation, DNA repair, and ETC research
• MOTS-c — mitochondria-derived peptide for AMPK activation and metabolic regulation research
• Epitalon — AEDG tetrapeptide for telomerase activation and longevity pathway research
• Glutathione (GSH) — master antioxidant for redox balance and mitochondrial protection research
• Thymosin Alpha-1 — an immunomodulatory peptide for immune function and cellular health research

Browse our complete Wellness & Longevity and Healing & Repair Peptides categories. Bulk researchers can apply for discounted rates through our Wholesale Portal.

⚠️ For in-vitro and in-vivo laboratory research use only. Not intended for human or veterinary consumption. Not a drug, supplement, or medical treatment. Researchers are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable local, national, and international regulations governing the purchase, storage, and use of research compounds.