Educational reference only — not medical advice. Nothing is sold on this site. Research compounds are not for human use.
Home>>Peptides>>SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Clinical-stageMetabolic / mitochondrial

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

A tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, developed for mitochondrial and cardiac diseases. It has completed multiple phase trials without yet securing approval.

CompoundSS-31 (Elamipretide)
CategoryCardiolipin-binding mitochondrial peptide
ClassMetabolic and Mitochondrial Compounds
Evidence tierClinical-stage
WADA statusNot individually listed; verify current status if subject to testing
Sold on this siteNo — this is a reference database

Overview

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is catalogued here as a cardiolipin-binding mitochondrial peptide and graded at the "Clinical-stage" evidence tier. This compound has completed or is undergoing formal human trials. Human safety and efficacy are being characterized, but no universal approval exists and results may still fail or be withdrawn.

A tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, developed for mitochondrial and cardiac diseases. It has completed multiple phase trials without yet securing approval.

Mechanism of Action

Elamipretide stabilizes cardiolipin interactions within the electron-transport chain, proposed to restore efficient respiration under mitochondrial stress.

Research and Evidence

Phase 3 MMPOWER-3 in primary mitochondrial myopathy missed its primary endpoint, but programs continue — notably in Barth syndrome, where cardiac benefit signals emerged.

Evidence in context: the Metabolic and Mitochondrial Compounds class page collects the shared evidence themes and study-reading guidance for this category.

Safety and Side Effects

Trials report a generally tolerable profile, mostly injection-site reactions; full labeling awaits approval.

Educational notice: this entry describes published research and, where they exist, regulator labels. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation for use. Research-grade compounds have no verified human-safety data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the evidence tier of SS-31 (Elamipretide)?

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is graded "Clinical-stage" on this site. This compound has completed or is undergoing formal human trials. Human safety and efficacy are being characterized, but no universal approval exists and results may still fail or be withdrawn.

Is SS-31 (Elamipretide) an approved medicine?

No. Clinical-stage means the compound has not reached universal regulatory approval; the tier description above explains exactly what level of evidence exists.

Where can I read the primary studies for SS-31 (Elamipretide)?

The references section at the end of this entry links the key primary sources — regulator labels, trial registrations, and peer-reviewed papers. Our "How to Read a Peptide Study" guide explains how to evaluate them.

References

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov — registered elamipretide studies. [source]
EM
Dr. Elena Marsh, PhDMolecular Pharmacology · Lead Editor

Written and maintained by the editorial team. Medically reviewed by Dr. James Okafor, MD (Internal Medicine).

Evidence tier: Clinical-stage · Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Sources cited below.

Advertisement