By Combat Research
What is SS-31?
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH₂) developed to target mitochondrial dysfunction. It is part of the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide family, which has been studied for its ability to:
- Protect mitochondria from oxidative stress
- Improve electron transport chain efficiency
- Reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Enhance ATP production in damaged or aging cells
It has attracted attention in models of:
- Age-related degenerative diseases
- Cardiac ischemia
- Kidney injury
- Muscle fatigue and sarcopenia
- Mitochondrial myopathies
🔬 Mechanism of Action
SS-31 binds selectively to cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in the inner mitochondrial membrane, without disrupting membrane potential.
Key Mechanistic Effects:
- Stabilizes mitochondrial cristae structure
- Improves complex I–IV efficiency
- Limits cytochrome c–mediated oxidative damage
- Supports mitochondrial membrane potential
This positions SS-31 as a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant and functional enhancer in research models.
⚠️ Regulatory Status
| Status | Notes |
|---|---|
| Research Use Only (RUO) | For in vitro and preclinical use only. |
| Not FDA-approved | No approval for human use or supplementation. |
| Clinical Trials | Some Phase I/II trials have occurred under the name Elamipretide. |
Combat Research supplies SS-31 strictly for lawful research purposes, not for human or veterinary use.
📊 Preclinical Dosing in Animal Studies
In published rodent studies, SS-31 has been administered via various routes. Below is a general summary of non-clinical dosing strategies.
| Model Purpose | Species | Route | Dose Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac ischemia | Mice, rats | IV or IP | 0.5 – 5 mg/kg | Acute or up to 7 days |
| Age-related fatigue / muscle dysfunction | Mice | IP or SC | 3 – 5 mg/kg/day | 4–8 weeks |
| Mitochondrial dysfunction / renal injury | Mice | SC or IV | 1 – 10 mg/kg | Varies (days to weeks) |
Note: These are research dosing values, not suitable for human conversion or clinical interpretation.
🧪 Stability and Handling
SS-31 is typically stable when lyophilized and should be:
- Stored at −20°C to −80°C for long-term use
- Protected from light and repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Reconstituted in sterile saline or water immediately prior to use
Researchers often filter-sterilize the reconstituted peptide (0.22 µm) before administration in cell or animal models.
📈 Common Experimental Readouts
When studying SS-31, researchers typically assess:
- Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm)
- ROS production (MitoSOX, DCFDA assays)
- ATP output (luminescence-based ATP assays)
- Electron transport chain activity (complex I–V function)
- In vivo endurance, strength, or tissue recovery in animal models
🔬 Related Peptides
Other mitochondrial peptides often studied in parallel or comparison include:
- MOTS-c (endogenous mitochondrial peptide)
- Humanin (neuroprotective mitochondrial peptide)
- SHLP2/SHLP6 (small humanin-like peptides)
Each offers a different pathway of mitochondrial modulation and may be selected based on research goals.
✅ Summary
| Feature | SS-31 |
|---|---|
| Function | Mitochondrial protection and ROS suppression |
| Primary Target | Cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane |
| Experimental Routes | SC, IV, IP |
| Key Pathways | ETC stability, oxidative stress resistance |
| Regulatory Status | Research Use Only |
