SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Elamipretide · Bendavia · MTP-131
Popular for:Mitochondrial function, anti-aging, cardiac protection
3
Total Studies
3
Human Studies
Phase III
Evidence Level
Not Approved
FDA Status
Overview
SS-31 (Elamipretide, also known as Bendavia or MTP-131) is a synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is one of the most promising mitochondria-targeted therapeutics, designed to restore mitochondrial function by stabilizing cardiolipin — a critical phospholipid in the electron transport chain.
**Originally developed for: **Barth syndrome (genetic mitochondrial cardiomyopathy caused by cardiolipin deficiency) and primary mitochondrial myopathy. Developed by Stealth BioTherapeutics. Also studied for cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, and heart failure.
Mechanism of Action
SS-31 readily penetrates cell membranes and concentrates 1,000-5,000x in mitochondria. It binds to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing the electron transport chain complexes (particularly Complex III and IV), reducing electron leak, decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and restoring ATP synthesis efficiency. It also prevents cardiolipin peroxidation, preserving cristae structure.
Key Research Benefits
Primary Benefits:
Secondary/Emerging Benefits:
Clinical Evidence Summary
Research Pipeline
3
Total Studies
3
Human Studies
- TAZPOWER Trial — Phase 2 trial in Barth syndrome. 40 mg/day for 48 weeks showed improvement in 6-Minute Walk Test and cardiac function.
- Neurology (2018) — Randomized dose-escalation trial in primary mitochondrial myopathy. Doses of 5-50 mg/day were well-tolerated.
- PNAS (2020) — Mapped the mitochondrial protein interaction landscape of SS-31, revealing binding to ATP synthase and other key complexes.
- Campbell et al. (2019, PMC6588449) — SS-31 reversed age-related redox stress and improved exercise tolerance in aged mice.
> Clinical trial status: Multiple Phase 2 trials completed for Barth syndrome, mitochondrial myopathy, and heart failure. Stealth BioTherapeutics has faced regulatory setbacks. The compound has strong preclinical data but has not yet achieved FDA approval. Development continues.
Key Studies / PubMed References
Therapeutic Approaches Involving Mitochondria in the Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury.
ReviewPatel PS, Pabla NS, Bajwa A · Seminars in nephrology · 2026
PMID: 41027799Innovative technologies for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - modern therapeutic perspectives and their future.
ReviewCiszewski P, Drelichowska A, Pikor D, et al. · Romanian journal of ophthalmology · 2025
PMID: 40330967Potential Therapeutic Candidates for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
ReviewNashine S · Cells · 2021
PMID: 34572131Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects (from clinical trials):
Rare but Serious Risks:
> Contraindications: Not established due to limited data. Use caution in individuals with known mitochondrial disorders (could alter disease progression unpredictably). Not recommended during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
Known Interactions
No curated interaction entry is live for SS-31 (Elamipretide) yet.
Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Disclaimer
This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. SS-31 (Elamipretide) is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.