Anti-Aging Phase III

SS-31

Also known as: Elamipretide, Bendavia, MTP-131

A mitochondria-targeted peptide that concentrates 1000x in the inner membrane to restore electron transport chain function — the most direct pharmacological approach to mitochondrial aging.

Popularity B
Class Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide
Half-Life ~4 hours
Form Lyophilized powder
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SS-31 C32H49N5O5
Research-Backed User Reports Sourced Updated Mar 2026
// Overview

What is SS-31?

SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide, Bendavia, or MTP-131) is a cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that concentrates 1000-5000x in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Developed at the Szeto-Schiller lab at Weill Cornell, it was designed to target cardiolipin — a phospholipid critical for electron transport chain function.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is now recognized as a root cause of aging and age-related disease. As mitochondria deteriorate with age, electron transport becomes less efficient, ATP production drops, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase. SS-31 directly addresses this by restoring cardiolipin interactions with cytochrome c, normalizing electron transport and reducing ROS production.

SS-31 has been studied in clinical trials for heart failure, Barth syndrome, age-related macular degeneration, and primary mitochondrial myopathy. It represents one of the most scientifically rigorous approaches to targeting the mitochondrial basis of aging.

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// How It Works

How SS-31 Works

SS-31 targets the inner mitochondrial membrane directly:

  1. Cardiolipin binding — SS-31 binds to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane with high specificity. Cardiolipin is essential for organizing electron transport chain complexes.
  2. Electron transport optimization — By stabilizing cardiolipin-cytochrome c interactions, SS-31 restores efficient electron flow through Complexes III and IV, improving ATP synthesis.
  3. ROS reduction — Improved electron transport reduces electron leak and superoxide production. SS-31 reduces mitochondrial ROS without being a conventional antioxidant.
  4. 1000x concentration — The alternating aromatic-cationic motif (Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe) drives rapid concentration in the inner mitochondrial membrane, achieving 1000-5000x enrichment.
  5. Cardioprotection — Protects cardiac mitochondria during ischemia-reperfusion injury and heart failure by maintaining bioenergetic function under stress.
// Dosage Protocols

Dosage Information (User-Reported)

Disclaimer: Dosage information is compiled from user reports and published research. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Level Dose Frequency Duration
Research 0.5-1 mg/kg Daily (subcutaneous) 4-8 weeks
Anti-Aging Protocol ~40 mg Daily 4-8 weeks
Clinical Trials 4-40 mg Daily SC injection 4-28 weeks

What to Expect

Day 1-3

Some users report almost immediate increase in energy and mental clarity. Improved exercise capacity from first dose in some reports.

Week 1-2

Sustained energy improvement. Better exercise tolerance and recovery. Mental sharpness increasing.

Week 3-6

Significant mitochondrial health improvement. Users report feeling years younger in energy capacity. Exercise performance markedly enhanced.

Week 6-8

Peak effects on cellular energy. Physical endurance, cognitive function, and overall vitality at their best. Effects may persist after discontinuation.

Common Stacks

NAD+

Mitochondrial Synergy

SS-31 optimizes electron transport while NAD+ restores the coenzyme pool — comprehensive mitochondrial support

MOTS-c

Dual Mito Support

SS-31 (inner membrane) + MOTS-c (mitochondrial gene regulation) for maximum mitochondrial health

CoQ10

Electron Transport

CoQ10 is a direct electron carrier that complements SS-31's cardiolipin-stabilizing effect

// Preparation

Reconstitution & Storage

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Handle carefully — light-sensitive peptide. Store reconstituted solution refrigerated and protected from light.

Storage: Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 14 days. Protect from light.

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// Safety Profile

Side Effects & Safety

Potential Side Effects

  • ! Injection site reactions
  • ! Headache
  • ! Dizziness
  • ! Nausea (uncommon)
  • ! Generally well tolerated in clinical trials at tested doses

Contraindications

  • ⚠ Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • ⚠ Severe mitochondrial disease (consult specialist)
  • ⚠ Active malignancy
  • ⚠ Known hypersensitivity to peptide components

Legal & Regulatory Status

Not FDA-approved (multiple Phase 2/3 trials ongoing for cardiac indications, Barth syndrome, AMD). Research peptide. Not a controlled substance. Available from select research vendors.

// Research

Published Research

// Where to Buy

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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. SS-31 is sold for research purposes. Never Natty does not condone or encourage the use of any substance in violation of any laws. Consult a healthcare professional before using any compound discussed on this site.