SS-31 (Elamipretide) (SS-31 / Elamipretide (Bendavia))
A mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide concentrating 1000-5000x in inner mitochondrial membrane. Stabilizes cardiolipin and optimizes electron transport. In clinical trials for Barth syndrome and heart failure.
How it works
Targets cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizes cytochrome c binding, optimizes electron transfer efficiency, and reduces mitochondrial ROS by 50%.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 640.8 Da
- Half-life: 4-6 hours
- Bioavailability: High (SubQ)
- Storage: Lyophilized: -20°C. Solution: 2-8°C.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: 5-40 mg
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: 4-12 weeks
- Route: Subcutaneous or IV
Reported benefits
- Mitochondrial function optimization
- Reduced oxidative stress
- Cardioprotection
- Improved exercise capacity
- Renal protection
- Cellular energy
Possible side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Mild GI effects
- Taste disturbance (IV)
Research
- Elamipretide improves mitochondrial function in heart failure (2022): Improved LV function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in HFrEF patients.
- SS-31 reverses age-related mitochondrial dysfunction (2021): Eight weeks restored coupling efficiency and reduced H2O2 emission by 50% in aged skeletal muscle.
Community reviews of SS-31 (Elamipretide)
- data_driven_dan rated it 5/5 - Genuinely effective after 3 months: Been using SS-31 (Elamipretide) for about 3 months and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
- biohack_bree rated it 4/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: SS-31 (Elamipretide) has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
- steady_hand_jen rated it 5/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added SS-31 (Elamipretide) to my protocol about 4 months ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
- quinn636 rated it 5/5 - Climbing stairs stopped feeling like a small betrayal: I’m on my feet all day as a lab tech, and after a long winter on the East Coast, even hauling boxes up three flights at work had me feeling weirdly flat. I tried SS-31 for about 3 months and, for me, the change showed up in those little moments first, like less of that heavy leg burn and a cleaner recovery after training. Could’ve been placebo, but I kept noticing it. I’d give it 5 stars.
- devin280 rated it 4/5 - steadier training recovery on long weeks: honestly, the biggest change for me was recovery after hard training and long lab shifts in singapore. i felt less wrecked the next morning, which made it easier to keep lifting without feeling like a folding chair. after about 6 months, that was the only thing i really cared about. small caveat, the effect was subtle.
- luis295 rated it 5/5 - Skeptical at first, then it earned my trust: I went into SS-31 pretty skeptical, fwiw, I’m a 50-something lab tech in the Midwest and I don’t buy hype easy. After about 6 months, my workouts felt cleaner, recovery seemed better, and that dull drag I’d chalked up to age just wasn’t as loud.
Compare SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.