SS-31 (Elamipretide)
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SystemMitochondrial Energy System
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TypeSynthetic tetrapeptide - Szeto-Schiller class
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SynonymsElamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia
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SequenceD-Arg-2’6’-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
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Mol. Weight639.8 Da
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FormLyophilized vial
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Purity>98% by HPLC
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StatusActive
SS-31 Overview
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller class — a family of aromatic-cationic peptides developed for their intrinsic mitochondrial selectivity. Also known as Elamipretide or MTP-131, the compound is classified within AXION’s Mitochondrial Energy System based on its primary mechanism: selective interaction with cardiolipin, a phospholipid exclusive to the inner mitochondrial membrane.
The structural basis of SS-31’s selectivity is its alternating aromatic and positively charged residues, which confer high affinity for the anionic cardiolipin surface — without requiring a carrier or conjugate.
This intrinsic targeting mechanism is a substantive distinction from conventional antioxidant strategies, which broadly distribute throughout the cell. SS-31 concentrates directly at the site of mitochondrial ROS production.
Among peptides studied in research contexts, SS-31 carries a notable distinction: it is the compound in AXION’s Mitochondrial Energy System with the most advanced clinical stage — with Phase III trials underway under the name Elamipretide for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It is one of the mitochondrial peptides with the highest volume of peer-reviewed literature available, spanning from foundational mechanistic studies to Phase II clinical data.
SS-31 Research Directions
The published literature on SS-31 spans over two decades and multiple biological contexts centered on mitochondrial dysfunction. Below is an overview of the principal research areas documented in preclinical and clinical studies.
- Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion — cardioprotection models, infarct size reduction, post-ischemic mitochondrial function
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) — Phase II and Phase III clinical trial contexts (Elamipretide)
- Renal ischemia-reperfusion and acute kidney injury — cardiolipin interaction as the mechanistic anchor
- Mitochondrial aging and sarcopenia — preservation of bioenergetic capacity in muscle tissue models
- Neuroprotection and neurodegenerative models — oxidative stress reduction at the mitochondrial site
- Barth syndrome (genetic cardiolipin disorder) — Phase II/III clinical context with highest mechanistic specificity
- Metabolic dysfunction and mitochondrial disease — broader disease contexts where ETC impairment is central
SS-31 selectively binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, preventing ROS-induced peroxidation and preserving cristae architecture. Cardiolipin is essential for the structural organization and function of the respiratory chain complexes.
By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 improves the physical coupling between ETC complexes I, III, and IV, enhancing oxidative phosphorylation efficiency and ATP synthesis — without artificially driving the system.
The aromatic residues of SS-31 directly scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals at the inner membrane — at the precise site of production. Unlike systemic antioxidants, this action does not interfere with physiological redox signaling.
By maintaining cardiolipin integrity and ETC coupling, SS-31 contributes to the preservation of the electrochemical gradient across the inner membrane — essential for ATP synthase function.
SS-31 inhibits pathological opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), a critical event in ischemia-reperfusion injury that leads to mitochondrial swelling and cell death.
SS-31 Quality & Traceability
Every AXION compound is subject to analytical verification before release. Purity and traceability are not marketing attributes — they are part of the integrity of the research itself.
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Certificate of Analysis
Available per lot on request.
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Lot Traceability
Each vial carries a unique lot number linked to its full analytical record.
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QR Verification
QR code on packaging links directly to the COA for that specific lot.
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HPLC Verified
>98% purity per lot. Verified by HPLC + Mass Spectrometry.
Learn more about our verification process: Quality & Testing
Related Compounds Compounds in the Mitochondrial Energy System
All compounds below belong to the same biological system as SS-31 . Each is supplied as an RUO research compound.
MOTS-c
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller class — a family of aromatic-cationic peptides developed for their intrinsic mitochondrial selectivity. Also known as Elamipretide or MTP-131, the compound…
View molecule
NAD+
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller class — a family of aromatic-cationic peptides developed for their intrinsic mitochondrial selectivity. Also known as Elamipretide or MTP-131, the compound…
View molecule
Related Articles - Research Library Explore the Science Behind This System
The Research Library provides in-depth editorial coverage of the mechanisms, evidence, and investigative directions relevant to this system. Each article connects to one or more related compounds in the AXION catalog.
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is supplied by AXION Biotech exclusively for research purposes. This compound is not approved by the FDA, ANVISA, or any regulatory agency for human or veterinary use. No therapeutic claims are made or implied. All scientific data referenced on this page derives from preclinical (animal / in vitro) models or clinical trials in specific patient populations, unless explicitly stated otherwise.