Overview
SS-31 (Elamipretide, MTP-131) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-2',6'-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH₂) that selectively binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Mechanism
Cardiolipin binding stabilizes cristae architecture, supports electron transport chain efficiency, and reduces mitochondrial ROS in published preclinical models of ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and age-related muscle decline.
Notes for the lab
Lyophilized SS-31 is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and stored cold. Subcutaneous PK studies report a plasma half-life of roughly 2.5 hours in humans; choose dosing intervals accordingly in animal-model comparisons.