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 50mg vial is the bulk format. It is the only common size that comfortably covers full weight-based dosing, and it changes the mixing arithmetic: the vial takes several millilitres of diluent rather than one, and draw volumes climb accordingly.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Amount | 50mg |
| Recommended BAC Water | 5mL |
| Resulting Concentration | 10mg/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 5mL BAC water — Using a 3mL or 5mL sterile syringe, not an insulin syringe
- Add to peptide vial — Inject slowly down the wall, venting pressure between passes
- Dissolve — Gently swirl, 2-5 minutes
- Label and refrigerate — Store immediately
Concentration Calculations
With 50mg in 5mL BAC water:
- Concentration: 10mg/mL
- Per unit (U-100): 100mcg per unit
Two practical points follow from the vial size. First, confirm the vial physically holds 5mL of headroom before mixing; smaller-format 50mg vials may need 3mL (16.7mg/mL, 167mcg per unit) or 2.5mL (20mg/mL, 200mcg per unit) instead. Second, a full U-100 insulin syringe holds only 1mL, so at 10mg/mL any dose above 10mg needs more than one draw or a larger syringe.
Dosage Protocol
Common Dose Calculations
| Desired Dose | Draw Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 500mcg | 0.05mL | 5 units |
| 1mg | 0.10mL | 10 units |
| 2.5mg | 0.25mL | 25 units |
| 5mg | 0.50mL | 50 units |
| 10mg | 1.00mL | 100 units |
| 20mg | 2.00mL | 2 x 100 units |
Weight-Based Dosing
For reference (0.25mg/kg example):
- 60kg: ~15mg — 1.5mL at 10mg/mL
- 80kg: ~20mg — 2.0mL at 10mg/mL
- 100kg: ~25mg — 2.5mL at 10mg/mL
This is where the 50mg vial earns its place: a single 0.25mg/kg dose is 15-25mg, which no smaller vial can supply in one go. It also means the vial covers only two or three such doses, and the draw is a multi-millilitre volume better suited to a 3mL syringe than a U-100.
Note: Research protocols vary significantly. Dose based on specific study design.
Doses Per Vial
| Dose | Doses Per Vial |
|---|---|
| 500mcg | 100 doses |
| 1mg | 50 doses |
| 2.5mg | 20 doses |
| 5mg | 10 doses |
| 10mg | 5 doses |
| 20mg | 2 doses (10mg remainder) |
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 low milligram doses a 50mg vial holds far more than 2-3 weeks of material, so the stability window, not the vial, sets the usable amount — reconstitute the whole vial only when the protocol will actually consume it in that time.
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.