SS-31 (also known in literature as Elamipretide or Bendavia) from Super Human Peptides UK is a synthetic, water-soluble tetrapeptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) class of mitochondria-targeting peptides. In laboratory research, SS-31 is highly prized for its ability to penetrate the cell and localize directly to the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Unlike traditional systemic antioxidants, researchers utilize SS-31 because it specifically binds to cardiolipin—a critical structural lipid required for mitochondrial function.
By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 optimizes the electron transport chain, prevents electron leakage (which causes reactive oxygen species), and restores ATP production in failing or aged cells. Produced under GMP-compliant conditions and verified for 99% purity or higher, SS-31 is a cornerstone model for advanced research into cellular bioenergetics, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and systemic anti-aging.
- —Mitochondria-Targeted: Penetrates cell membranes to localize strictly within the mitochondria.
- —Cardiolipin Stabilizer: Binds directly to cardiolipin to optimize the electron transport chain.
- —ROS Reduction: Prevents the generation of harmful reactive oxygen species at the source.
- —High Purity: 99% purity or higher (verified by HPLC and MS analysis).
- —Quality Standard: GMP / ISO certified manufacturing.
- —Cardiolipin Interaction: Studying the physical binding of the peptide to cardiolipin to prevent cytochrome c peroxidase activity and apoptotic triggers.
- —Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Preclinical models investigating the prevention of acute tissue damage in the heart and kidneys following blood flow restoration.
- —ATP Bioenergetics: Measuring the restoration of mitochondrial ATP synthesis in aged or metabolically stressed skeletal muscle.
- —Neuroprotection: Researching the peptide's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to protect neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity and oxidative stress.
- —Heart Failure Models: Investigating the reversal of left ventricular remodeling and the improvement of cardiac contractility without increasing oxygen demand.
SS-31 was developed by researchers Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller, who discovered that alternating aromatic and basic amino acids allowed the peptide to selectively target and accumulate inside mitochondria regardless of the membrane potential. Landmark laboratory studies by Birk et al. demonstrated the exact mechanism: SS-31 physically binds to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane.
In aging or disease states, cardiolipin degrades, causing the electron transport chain to "leak" electrons, which creates massive oxidative stress and halts ATP production. Studies consistently show that SS-31 administration in animal models repairs this structural defect, instantly improving ATP output and rescuing cells from programmed cell death (apoptosis). Due to its profound tissue-saving properties, it is heavily researched in acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and acute kidney injury models.
- 1.Szeto, H.H., "First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics," British Journal of Pharmacology, 2014.
- 2.Birk, A.V. et al., "The mitochondrial-targeted compound peptide SS-31 revitalizes ATP production by resting cytochrome c from early apoptosis," Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2013.
- 3.Cho, S. et al., "Mitochondrial-targeted peptide SS-31 prevents oxidative stress, downregulates CD36 and improves cross-talk between the heart and kidneys," American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, 2007.
- 4.Siegel, M.P. et al., "Mitochondrial-targeted peptide rapidly improves skeletal muscle energetics and exercise performance in aged mice," Aging Cell, 2013.
