SS-31 is a novel mitochondria-targeting peptide that helps stabilize mitochondrial membranes, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance energy production within cells. It is typically administered via subcutaneous injection in doses ranging from 5-10 mg daily, with advanced protocols potentially going higher under supervision. Dosing protocols often involve a gradual increase in dosage over several weeks.
- FDA-approved for Barth syndrome (2025).
- Targets cardiolipin in mitochondrial membranes.
- Enhances ATP synthesis and reduces reactive oxygen species.
- Commonly dosed at 5-10 mg daily.
- Requires reconstitution with 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water for a 10 mg/mL concentration.
Reconstitution
Vial strength
10 mg
Bacteriostatic water
1 mL
Concentration
10 mg/mL
1 unit = 0.01 mL = 100 mcg (on a U-100 insulin syringe)
- 1Draw 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- 2Inject slowly down the vial wall, avoiding vigorous shaking.
- 3Gently swirl or roll the vial until the peptide is fully dissolved and the solution is clear.
- 4Label the vial with the reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F), protected from light. Use within 4 weeks.
Dosing schedule
| Phase | Dose | On a U-100 syringe |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 5 mg (5000 mcg) | 50 units (0.50 mL) |
| Weeks 3-8 | 10 mg (10,000 mcg) | 100 units (1.0 mL) |
Protocol detail
| Start | 5 mg daily for Weeks 1–2 to evaluate individual tolerance. |
|---|---|
| Standard Target | 10 mg daily by Week 3 (common clinical trial dose). |
| Advanced Target | 15–20 mg daily for Weeks 5+, preferably under medical oversight for severe conditions. Doses over 10mg require splitting into two injections. |
| Frequency | Once daily subcutaneous injection; maintain consistent timing. |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks; limited data beyond this period. |
| Timing | Any consistent time; rotate injection sites. |
Overview at a glance
| Goal | Support mitochondrial function, enhance ATP production, and reduce oxidative stress in tissues with high metabolic demand. |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks. |
| Dose Range | 5–10 mg daily (standard); 15–20 mg daily (advanced, under supervision). |
| Reconstitution | 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial (10 mg/mL) for convenient single-syringe administration. |
| Storage | Lyophilized frozen at -20 °C (-4 °F); reconstituted refrigerated at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F); use within 4 weeks. |
How it works
SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that specifically targets mitochondria. It accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds to cardiolipin, a critical phospholipid for electron transport chain organization. By stabilizing cardiolipin-protein interactions, SS-31 enhances electron transport efficiency, reduces harmful reactive oxygen species production, and increases ATP synthesis in cells with high metabolic activity. This action helps protect against mitochondrial dysfunction, which has preclinical implications for conditions like heart failure, neurodegenerative disease, and age-related muscle atrophy. It was recently FDA-approved for Barth syndrome, demonstrating its ability to improve muscle strength and exercise capacity.
Reported effects
- Stabilizes mitochondrial membranes and optimizes electron transport chain function.
- Enhances ATP production and reduces pathological reactive oxygen species.
- Improves muscle strength and exercise capacity in Barth syndrome patients.
- Protective effects in preclinical models of heart failure, neurodegeneration, and muscle atrophy.
- Minimal impact on blood pressure, heart rate, or standard lab parameters.
Reported side effects
- Injection-site reactions (most common): mild-to-moderate redness, itching, or transient discomfort.
- Approximately 80% of patients in clinical trials experienced mild injection-site reactions.
- No dose-limiting toxicities or serious adverse events reported in published trials.
- Long-term safety data beyond 12 weeks is limited and requires monitoring.
Storage
Lyophilised (unmixed)
Freeze at -20 °C (-4 °F) in original sealed vial, dry and protected from light. Stable for months.
After reconstitution
Refrigerate at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F) immediately after mixing; use within 4 weeks.
Supplies
| Peptide vials | Estimate 50 vials for 8 weeks (standard) or 105 vials for 12 weeks (advanced escalating). |
|---|---|
| Insulin Syringes (U-100, 1 mL capacity) | Approximately 7 syringes per week for standard dosing; advanced protocols may require more if splitting doses. |
| Bacteriostatic Water | Use 1.0 mL per 10 mg vial. Estimate 2-4 bottles (30 mL each) for an 8-12 week protocol. |
| Alcohol Swabs | Two per day (one for vial, one for injection site). Estimate 200-count boxes. |
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection and dispose of them in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites systematically to reduce local irritation and prevent tissue changes.
- Inject slowly over several seconds and wait briefly before withdrawing the needle.
- Mild injection-site reactions are common and usually resolve within hours.
- For doses requiring split injections (≥15 mg), space injections at least 2 inches apart on different body regions.
- This guide is for educational purposes only and not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary function of SS-31?
SS-31 is designed to improve mitochondrial function by stabilizing the inner mitochondrial membrane, enhancing ATP production, and reducing oxidative stress within cells. These actions contribute to cellular energy and protection.
How should I store SS-31 after reconstitution?
Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, SS-31 should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F). It is recommended to use the reconstituted solution within 4 weeks for optimal stability and potency.
Can I increase the dosage beyond 10 mg daily?
Advanced protocols may involve doses of 15-20 mg daily, but these are typically pursued for severe conditions and under strict medical supervision. Doses above 10 mg generally require splitting into multiple injections administered at different sites.
What are the most common side effects of SS-31?
The most frequently reported side effects are mild-to-moderate injection-site reactions, such as redness, itching, or temporary discomfort. These reactions are typically transient and resolve within a few hours after injection.
Educational reference only. These figures summarise how SS-31 is commonly described in research literature and supplier documentation, including the SS-31 listing at peptidesuk4u.co.uk. They are not a prescription, not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-administer anything.
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