SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Also sold as Elamipretide, MTP-131.
- Half-life
- 2 h
- Steady state
- ~0 d
- Class
- Mitochondrial
- Category
- Peptide
Published population averages. Steady state is the usual five half-life rule of thumb, not a measurement. See peptide half-life, explained.
Overview
SS-31 (Elamipretide, MTP-131) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding to cardiolipin. It is the first drug specifically designed to optimize mitochondrial electron transport chain efficiency. Mitochondrial dysfunction underlies aging, heart failure, neurodegenerative disease, and metabolic disorders.
How it works
Concentrates 1000–5000 fold in mitochondria due to its alternating aromatic-cationic structure. Binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cytochrome c binding and optimizing electron transfer through complexes III and IV. Reduces electron leak and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at the source. Prevents cardiolipin peroxidation that drives mitochondrial dysfunction.
Half-life and peak
Subcutaneous half-life approximately 2–3 hours. Rapidly concentrates in mitochondria within minutes. Mitochondrial functional effects persist beyond plasma clearance. Phase 2/3 dosing: 4 mg SC daily or 40 mg IV infusion.
What it is studied for
Mitochondrial myopathies (Barth syndrome), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), age-related mitochondrial decline, skeletal muscle function in aging, renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Research status
Phase 3 trials for Barth syndrome (FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation) and primary mitochondrial myopathy. Phase 2 trials for HFpEF (TAZPOWER showed mixed results). Stealth BioTherapeutics is the developer. Not yet approved.
Sources
- Elamipretide in Barth syndrome — Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease · doi.org
- SS-31 mitochondrial targeting — Antioxidants & Redox Signaling · doi.org
- ClinicalTrials.gov — Elamipretide · clinicaltrials.gov
- SS-31 mitochondrial concentration · doi.org
Educational reference only. This page describes what is published about a compound; it is not medical advice, not a recommendation to take anything, and not a dosing guide. Several compounds in this catalog are investigational and are not approved medicines. Talk to a doctor.