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Peptide Library / Longevity / Cellular

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Cardiolipin-targeting peptide

SS-31 (Elamipretide) Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane. By stabilising cristae structure it improves electron-transport efficiency and ATP production, and is studied in heart failure, mitochondrial myopathy and age-related decline.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL
Literature Range
5–10 mg per administration
Measuring Reference
At 5 mg/mL: 5 mg = 1.0 mL = 100 units
Frequency
Once daily
Route (studies)
Subcutaneous
Cycle
4–8 weeks

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
639.8 Da
Sequence
D-Arg-2',6'-dimethyl-Tyr-Lys-Phe-NH2
Sequence Length
23
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Mitochondrial peptide
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 10 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
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Concentration
5.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
1.000 mL
Syringe Units
100.0 U
Doses / Vial
2

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Targets cardiolipin to stabilise mitochondrial cristae and boost ATP.

Frequency: Once daily

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 8-week protocol at approximately 5000 mcg per day.

Peptide (10 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 5000 mcg/day × 56 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model cardiolipin-targeted mitochondrial support.
Schedule
Daily, 4–8 weeks.
Dose Range
5–10 mg/day.

Dosing Protocol

Standard
5–10 mg once daily
Frequency
Once daily
Target
10 mg/day studied
Cycle Length
4–8 weeks
Timing
Not time-critical
Route
Subcutaneous

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • Clinical results are promising but mixed depending on the endpoint and tissue.
  • Acts selectively on dysfunctional mitochondria.

How This Works

SS-31 selectively concentrates on the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, the phospholipid essential for cristae architecture and respiratory-chain supercomplex assembly. This stabilises cristae, improves electron transport efficiency, reduces reactive-oxygen-species leakage and boosts ATP output in dysfunctional mitochondria — without affecting healthy ones. It is among the most clinically advanced mitochondrial-targeted peptides.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Stabilised cristae and improved ATP production
  • Reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress
  • Studied in heart failure and mitochondrial myopathy
  • Potential benefit in age-related muscle and organ decline
Possible considerations
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Generally well tolerated in trials
  • Mixed clinical-endpoint results in some trials
  • Long-term data still accruing

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Wash hands, then prep the vial top and the target site with separate alcohol swabs.
  2. 2Pinch a subcutaneous skin fold (abdomen, ~2 inches from the navel) and insert at 45–90°.
  3. 3Depress the plunger slowly over 3–5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, then withdraw.
  4. 4Rotate sites each administration and dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] British Journal of Pharmacology
    Szeto H.H. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound SS-31.
    View Source