What is SS-31 Elamipretide? Mitochondria Research Peptide UK. SS-31 — also known as Elamipretide or MTP-131 — is one of the most extensively studied mitochondria-targeting compounds in preclinical and clinical research. Developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller, it has a unique mechanism centred on its interaction with cardiolipin, a key phospholipid within the inner mitochondrial membrane. If you've come across SS-31 in discussions around mitochondrial health, cellular energy, or longevity research, this guide explains what it is and what the science explores.
What is SS-31 Made From?
SS-31 is a synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2. Its small size and alternating aromatic and cationic residues allow it to penetrate cell membranes readily and concentrate selectively within the inner mitochondrial membrane — where it interacts with cardiolipin to support mitochondrial function.
How Does SS-31 Work?
SS-31's mechanism of action is centred on three interconnected areas that researchers have studied extensively:
Cardiolipin Interaction
SS-31 binds selectively to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin plays a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of the electron transport chain and supporting ATP synthase activity. SS-31's interaction with cardiolipin helps stabilise mitochondrial cristae architecture and supports optimal electron transport chain function.
Reduction of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress
By stabilising cardiolipin and supporting electron transport chain efficiency, SS-31 has been shown in preclinical studies to reduce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production — a key driver of oxidative stress and cellular damage in numerous disease models.
ATP Production Support
Research has demonstrated that SS-31 can enhance ATP synthesis in models of mitochondrial dysfunction, supporting cellular energy metabolism in tissues with high energy demands such as cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and neurons.
Key Research Areas
- Cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion injury models
- Heart failure and cardiomyopathy research
- Skeletal muscle ageing and sarcopenia studies
- Neurodegenerative disease models
- Renal ischaemia and acute kidney injury research
- Mitochondrial disease and dysfunction studies
- Age-related mitochondrial decline
Clinical Research
SS-31 (as Elamipretide) has progressed into human clinical trials — making it one of the few mitochondria-targeting peptides to reach this stage. Phase 2 trials have investigated its potential in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and Barth syndrome, a rare mitochondrial cardiomyopathy. Results have demonstrated improvements in exercise capacity and cardiac function in some patient populations, supporting continued investigation.
Sourcing SS-31 for Research
Precision Chain Peptides supplies SS-31 10mg as a lyophilised vial with HPLC-verified purity and a full Certificate of Analysis, UK-dispatched. Related mitochondrial compounds such as NAD+ and MOTS-C are also available.
Research Use Only
All compounds supplied by Precision Chain Peptides are strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research use only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption, personal use, or self-administration.
Source SS-31 for research: SS-31 10mg Research Peptide — ≥99% purity, HPLC-verified, UK-dispatched. Related compounds: MOTS-C 10mg | NAD+ 500mg. Related guides: What is MOTS-C? | What is NAD+?.
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