SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2). It is studied for its ability to selectively target and concentrate in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it interacts with cardiolipin.

How should I store SS-31?

Store lyophilized SS-31 at -20°C for long-term storage or at 2-8°C for short-term use. After reconstitution, keep refrigerated at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Protect from light.

What purity is your SS-31?

Our SS-31 is independently tested by Janoshik Analytical with verified purity of 98% or higher. A certificate of analysis is provided for each batch.

How do I reconstitute SS-31?

Add bacteriostatic water slowly along the inside wall of the vial. Gently swirl - do not shake. Use 1-2 mL of bacteriostatic water per vial. Ensure the solution is clear before use.

Buy SS-31 (Elamipretide) Peptide | Mitochondrial Research

Name: SS-31
Brand: PeptidesDirect
SKU: PD-SS31-50MG
Availability: InStock

Cardiolipin binder

SS-31 selectively binds cardiolipin, a unique lipid found only on the inner mitochondrial membrane. This is where energy is made.

Mitochondrial structure

Helps stabilize the folded inner-membrane shape (cristae) that mitochondria need to package the respiratory chain efficiently.

ATP production

In aged or stressed cells, SS-31 restores oxygen use and ATP output, the cellular energy currency, in laboratory studies.

Reduces ROS

Lowers reactive oxygen species at the source by improving how electrons move through the respiratory chain instead of leaking.

Studied in age-related decline

Investigated in heart, kidney, muscle, and eye tissue, where mitochondrial decline is part of the picture.

Same molecule as FORZINITY

SS-31 is also called elamipretide, the same molecule recently approved as FORZINITY for Barth syndrome, a rare cardiolipin disorder.

Research areas

Mitochondrial bioenergeticsCardiolipinATP and ROSCardiac researchAging and longevity

What is SS-31

SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a small synthetic peptide made of four amino acids (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2). It was designed in academic research to do one thing: cross cell membranes and concentrate inside mitochondria, the energy factories of the cell.

The same molecule is the active ingredient in FORZINITY, recently approved as the first treatment for Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disease in which cardiolipin in the mitochondria is defective. That regulatory milestone is one of the reasons SS-31 has become the most studied mitochondria-targeted peptide of the last decade.

We supply it in lyophilized (freeze-dried) form for laboratory research only.

How it works

Mitochondria contain a special lipid called cardiolipin, found nowhere else in the cell. Cardiolipin shapes the folded inner membrane (the cristae) and holds the proteins of the respiratory chain in place. When mitochondria are stressed or aged, cardiolipin is damaged and the respiratory chain leaks electrons, producing reactive oxygen species and less ATP.

SS-31 selectively binds cardiolipin and protects it. In published research this stabilizes cristae structure, restores efficient electron flow, increases ATP output, and reduces ROS production at the source. Because almost every tissue with high energy demand depends on this same mechanism, SS-31 has been studied in heart failure models, aged muscle, diabetic kidney disease, optic-nerve research, and dry age-related macular degeneration.

The clearest clinical evidence so far is in Barth syndrome, where elamipretide improved exercise capacity and cardiac function in long-term open-label research. The longevity research community is interested in SS-31 because cardiolipin damage and falling ATP output are hallmarks of mitochondrial aging.

Often studied alongside

In mitochondrial-aging research, SS-31 is most often paired with MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide that signals to the nucleus, and with NAD+ precursors that fuel the same energy pathway. Both are available below.

Mitochondrial-derived peptide for energy and metabolism research

MOTS-clongevity

Mitochondrial-derived signaling peptide (16 amino acids) that mimics the effects of exercise at the cellular level. Activates AMPK, improves glucose uptake, and enhances fat metabolism - a key tool in metabolic and longevity research.

Coenzyme that powers the same mitochondrial energy pathway

NAD+longevity

Essential cellular coenzyme that declines with age. Powers energy metabolism in every cell, activates sirtuins (longevity genes), and supports DNA repair. A cornerstone molecule in aging and longevity research.

For reconstitution, the standard solvent in published protocols is bacteriostatic or sterile water.

Standard solvent for reconstitution

Bacteriostatic Wateraccessories

USP-grade sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol - the standard solvent for reconstituting lyophilized peptides. Essential accessory for any peptide research. Each vial is sealed and ready to use.

Documentation

Material specification

Purity

≥98% (HPLC verified)

Test method

HPLC + mass spectrometry

Form

Lyophilized powder

Storage (sealed)

2 to 8 °C, light-protected

Storage (reconstituted)

2 to 8 °C, use within 4 weeks

CoA

Batch-specific, third-party (Janoshik)

Lab Report (COA)

Batch NumberBlack

Purity99.75%

Testing LabJanoshik

Test Date30 Oct 2025

Download COA

Selected research

Research use only

This material is sold strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not intended for human or animal consumption, medical, cosmetic, or household applications. Suitable only for professional laboratory environments.