SS-31

SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia) is a synthetic tetrapeptide that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane. It was developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller (SS = Szeto-Schiller). In plain language: it helps your mitochondria produce energy more efficiently and protects them from oxidative damage. It has undergone clinical trials for heart failure and Barth syndrome (a mitochondrial disease). Browse the full peptide library for related longevity compounds.

The mechanism: SS-31 concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilizes cardiolipin, a lipid that is required for the electron transport chain to function properly. By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 improves the efficiency of ATP production and dramatically reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are the primary driver of mitochondrial oxidative damage and aging. Less ROS means less cellular damage over time.

What does the research actually show? Clinical trials for Barth syndrome showed measurable improvements in cardiac function. Broader longevity applications are being studied but are earlier stage. In aging animal models, old mice given SS-31 showed improvements in exercise tolerance, heart function, and kidney function that returned them to levels seen in young animals. The question is whether supplementation in healthy people provides meaningful benefit or whether it is mainly useful for people with existing mitochondrial dysfunction.

What makes SS-31 unique among anti-aging peptides is its precise targeting mechanism. It selectively accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane rather than floating around the cell generally. For complementary mitochondrial support, consider stacking with NAD+ and MOTS-c. NAD+ provides the substrate for energy production. SS-31 improves the machinery. MOTS-c optimizes metabolic signaling. Together they form a comprehensive mitochondrial stack.

Dosing: Research protocols use 0.1 to 1mg per kg subcutaneous, typically daily during a protocol period. Most biohackers use 5 to 20mg daily for 4 to 8 week cycles. This is extrapolated from clinical data, not from specific biohacker trials. Start at the lower end and assess response.

In Vietnam, SS-31 is available research-grade from regional suppliers. It is one of the more expensive research peptides due to synthesis complexity. For verified suppliers, see the supply index. Verify purity via the COA guide. For legal context, see the peptide legality guide. For combining SS-31 with NAD+ IV therapy in Vietnam, see the NAD+ longevity guide.

SS-31 is often stacked with Epitalon for comprehensive longevity protocols. Epitalon targets telomeres (chromosomal aging). SS-31 targets mitochondria (cellular energy aging). The combination addresses two distinct mechanisms of cellular decline. For users combining mitochondrial peptides with immune support, thymosin alpha-1 is a common pairing for aging-related immune decline.