Molecular data
| Molecular formula | C32H49N9O5 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 638.8 Da |
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
| Sequence length | 4 residues |
| CAS / identifier | Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
| Available sizes | 10mg |
How it works
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Stabilization
SS-31 selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) where it binds to cardiolipin — a unique phospholipid exclusive to mitochondria. This interaction stabilizes cardiolipin's structure, which is critical for cristae morphology and the assembly of electron transport chain (ETC) supercomplexes.
- Binds cardiolipin at the inner mitochondrial membrane
- Stabilizes ETC supercomplex assembly
- Cristae morphology measured in damaged mitochondria
Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Reduction
The dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) residue within SS-31's sequence carries antioxidant capacity concentrated at the site of ROS generation. In preclinical models of ischemia-reperfusion injury, mitochondrial superoxide production and electron transport chain efficiency were measured following SS-31 administration.
- Dmt residue carries targeted antioxidant capacity
- Lower mitochondrial superoxide generation measured
- Preserves electron transport chain efficiency
Bioenergetic Function
Cardiolipin integrity and oxidative damage to ETC complexes are measured alongside the proton gradient across the IMM and ATP synthase function. In aged rodent models, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production rates were recorded.
- Mitochondrial membrane potential measured
- ATP synthase coupling efficiency measured
- Mitochondrial respiration measured in aged tissue models
What the research shows
Heart Failure
Elamipretide is the research designation for SS-31. Mitochondrial bioenergetics in cardiac tissue models is the focus of research on this compound.
Reperfusion Injury
In rodent models of myocardial and renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, infarct size and organ function markers were measured following SS-31 exposure.
Mitochondrial Aging
In aged rodents, skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, ATP production rates and physical performance markers were measured following SS-31 administration.
Renal Models
Renal ischemia models are a further area of research interest for SS-31, including kidney injury markers and renal function measures.
Specification
| Also Known As | Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia |
|---|---|
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
| Molecular Weight | 638.8 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C32H49N9O5 |
| Target | Cardiolipin / Inner Mitochondrial Membrane |
| Mechanism | Cardiolipin binding; ROS scavenging; ETC stabilization |
| Form | Lyophilized powder (5mg) |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Testing | Third-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin |
| Storage | -20°C for long-term stability |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| COA | Included with every order |
Frequently asked questions
What is SS-31 and what makes it unique?
SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide, MTP-131, or Bendavia) is a synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller, giving it the "SS" designation. Unlike most antioxidants it does not act on ROS systemically — it concentrates selectively at the inner mitochondrial membrane, binding cardiolipin within the architecture of the electron transport chain. That targeting is why it is studied across cardiac, renal and ageing biology.
What is cardiolipin and why does SS-31's binding to it matter?
Cardiolipin is a phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It plays a structural role in organizing the electron transport chain supercomplexes (respirasomes) that drive ATP production. When mitochondria are damaged or aged, cardiolipin becomes oxidized (peroxidized), and cristae disorganization and ETC function are affected. SS-31 binds cardiolipin with high affinity; lower peroxidation and ETC supercomplex assembly are measured alongside, which is the proposed basis for its bioenergetic readouts.
What is SS-31's regulatory status?
Elamipretide, the research designation for SS-31, is not approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency for any indication. It remains an investigational compound, and this material is supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory research.
How does SS-31 get into mitochondria?
SS-31's uptake into mitochondria is independent of the mitochondrial membrane potential, unlike many other mitochondria-targeted compounds (e.g., MitoQ). This is significant because damaged or depolarized mitochondria — the ones most in need of intervention — can still accumulate SS-31. The peptide's alternating aromatic and cationic residues facilitate spontaneous partitioning into the negatively charged inner mitochondrial membrane.
What are the main research models in which SS-31 has been studied?
SS-31 has been studied in: ischemia-reperfusion injury models (cardiac, renal, cerebral); diet-induced and genetic models of heart failure; aged skeletal muscle function studies; models of mitochondrial disease (Barth syndrome); neurodegenerative disease models; and various oxidative stress paradigms. Human clinical data exist for cardiac and renal applications.
How should SS-31 be stored and handled for research?
Store lyophilized SS-31 at -20°C, protected from light, and minimize freeze-thaw cycles. SS-31 is water-soluble and does not require DMSO for dissolution, which simplifies its handling in aqueous research systems. Always refer to published study protocols for specific concentration and vehicle guidance.
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.