SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) developed to target and protect mitochondria—the energy-producing organelles in cells. It has shown potential in treating diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction, including age-related degenerative conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and certain muscular and neurodegenerative disorders.
Mechanism of Action
SS-31 is unique in its ability to penetrate cell membranes and accumulate in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds selectively to cardiolipin—a phospholipid critical for maintaining mitochondrial structure and function.
Key actions include:
-
Stabilizing mitochondrial membranes
-
Reducing oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS)
-
Improving ATP production (cellular energy)
-
Preventing apoptosis (programmed cell death)
Potential Benefits
SS-31 is being studied for a wide range of applications:
1. Mitochondrial Diseases
-
Helps restore normal mitochondrial function
-
Shown promise in conditions like Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and Barth syndrome
2. Cardiovascular Health
-
May improve heart function in heart failure and ischemia-reperfusion injury
-
Enhances mitochondrial efficiency in cardiac cells
3. Muscle and Age-Related Degeneration
-
Shown to increase muscle endurance and strength in aged animals
-
Improves mitochondrial function in skeletal muscles
4. Neuroprotection
-
Potential therapeutic effects in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties
Administration & Dosage
-
SS-31 is typically administered via subcutaneous or intravenous injection
-
Human dosing is still being optimized in clinical trials
Clinical Trials & Research
Elamipretide has undergone Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for various conditions. Some early trials show improvements in heart failure, mitochondrial myopathies, and age-related degeneration, though larger studies are ongoing to confirm efficacy and safety.
Safety and Side Effects
SS-31 has generally shown a good safety profile, with mild side effects including:
-
Injection site reactions
-
Headaches
-
Nausea (rare)
Long-term safety data is still being collected in human studies.
Conclusion
SS-31 (Elamipretide) represents a promising breakthrough in mitochondria-targeted therapy, with the potential to combat a wide range of age-related and degenerative diseases at the cellular energy level. While still under clinical investigation, it is a strong candidate in the emerging field of mitochondrial medicine.




Reviews
There are no reviews yet.