At a glance
Type
Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide
Molecular weight
≈639.8 g/mol
Studied for
MitochondriaCardiolipinAntioxidant / ROS
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a small mitochondria-targeting peptide — one of the most researched “mitochondrial” peptides. Instead of acting on a receptor, it homes in on the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, the phospholipid that keeps the cell’s energy machinery organised.
How SS-31 works
SS-31 concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, the signature lipid that anchors the electron-transport chain into efficient supercomplexes. By stabilising cardiolipin and the folded cristae structure, it protects electron transfer, reduces electron “leak” and lowers reactive oxygen species (ROS) while scavenging existing ones. The net effect in research models is better mitochondrial energy output.
What the research shows
- Founding SS-peptide study (Zhao et al., JBC 2004). Introduced the mitochondria-targeted SS peptides and their protection against oxidative cell death and reperfusion injury.
- Aging vasculature (Tarantini et al., 2018). In aged mice, SS-31 rescued neurovascular coupling and improved cognition.
- Barth syndrome (TAZPOWER, 2024). In a rare mitochondrial disorder, the randomised phase missed its primary endpoints, but longer open-label follow-up showed sustained functional and cardiac improvement.
Candour: SS-31 has extensive, promising preclinical data, but human clinical results have been mixed — several controlled trials in heart failure and the randomised Barth-syndrome phase did not meet primary endpoints. Use belongs under a physician’s guidance.
Molecular specification
| Type | Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide |
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
| Molecular formula | C32H49N9O5 |
| Molecular weight | ≈639.8 g/mol |
| CAS number | 736992-21-5 |
Quality and sourcing
Every batch of Azzurri Wellness SS-31 is compounded through a Registered 503B outsourcing facility under GMP-compliant processes, HPLC-tested for purity and potency, and third-party lab verified. Shipped cold-pack when needed to protect stability.
References
- Zhao K, et al. Cell-permeable peptide antioxidants targeted to inner mitochondrial membrane inhibit mitochondrial swelling, oxidative cell death, and reperfusion injury. J Biol Chem. 2004;279(33):34682–34690. DOI
- Tarantini S, et al. Treatment with the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant peptide SS-31 rescues neurovascular coupling and improves cognition in aged mice. Aging Cell. 2018;17(2):e12731. PubMed
- Tung C, et al. Elamipretide: A Review of Its Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci. 2025;26(3):944. DOI
Compiled by the Azzurri Wellness Research Team and checked against the cited literature. Educational only — not medical advice.
