What is SS-31?
SS-31 (Elamipretide, Bendavia, MTP-131) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It targets cardiolipin, a key phospholipid essential for mitochondrial function and energy production.
SS-31 is being studied for various conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction, including aging, heart failure, and metabolic disorders. It’s one of the most advanced mitochondrial peptides in clinical development.
The 10mg vial holds twice the peptide of the 5mg vial, so it covers roughly twice as many doses at the same working concentration.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Amount | 10mg |
| Recommended BAC Water | 2mL |
| Resulting Concentration | 5mg/mL |
| Typical Research Dose | 0.1-0.5mg/kg |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Research Duration | 4-8 weeks |
Reconstitution Guide
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean vial stoppers — Wipe with alcohol swabs
- Draw 2mL BAC water — Using sterile syringe, in two 1mL passes if needed
- Add to peptide vial — Inject slowly down the wall
- Dissolve — Gently swirl, 2-5 minutes
- Label and refrigerate — Store immediately
Concentration Calculations
With 10mg in 2mL BAC water:
- Concentration: 5mg/mL
- Per unit (U-100): 50mcg per unit
Using 2mL rather than 1mL keeps the same 5mg/mL working strength as the 5mg vial, so draw volumes and unit counts carry over unchanged. Reconstituting the 10mg vial with only 1mL would double the strength to 10mg/mL (100mcg per unit) and halve every draw below.
Dosage Protocol
Common Dose Calculations
| Desired Dose | Draw Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 500mcg | 0.10mL | 10 units |
| 1mg | 0.20mL | 20 units |
| 2.5mg | 0.50mL | 50 units |
| 5mg | 1.00mL | 100 units |
Weight-Based Dosing
For reference (0.25mg/kg example):
- 60kg: ~15mg
- 80kg: ~20mg
- 100kg: ~25mg
At 5mg/mL those figures work out to 3mL, 4mL and 5mL respectively — more than a single 10mg vial holds. Weight-scaled protocols at the upper end of the range are the reason larger vial sizes exist; the 10mg vial suits fixed low-milligram doses rather than full weight-based loading.
Note: Research protocols vary significantly. Dose based on specific study design.
Doses Per Vial
| Dose | Doses Per Vial |
|---|---|
| 500mcg | 20 doses |
| 1mg | 10 doses |
| 2.5mg | 4 doses |
| 5mg | 2 doses |
Storage Requirements
| Form | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | -20°C | 2+ years |
| Reconstituted | 2-8°C | 2-3 weeks |
Note: SS-31 is sensitive. Use within 2-3 weeks of reconstitution. At 500mcg per day a reconstituted 10mg vial would run 20 days, which sits right at the edge of that window — plan the protocol around the stability limit rather than the vial count.
Research Considerations
Mechanism of Action
- Cardiolipin binding — Stabilizes inner mitochondrial membrane
- Electron transport — Optimizes ATP production
- ROS reduction — Decreases reactive oxygen species
- Membrane potential — Maintains mitochondrial function
Research Areas
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Cardiac health
- Aging and longevity
- Neurodegenerative conditions
- Metabolic disorders
Clinical Development
SS-31 (as Elamipretide) has been in clinical trials for:
- Barth syndrome
- Heart failure
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Primary mitochondrial myopathy
Sourcing for Research
Source from verified suppliers that provide third-party testing and certificates of analysis (COA) for each batch. Compare purity documentation, shipping conditions, and batch traceability before purchasing research materials.