SS-31 (Elamipretide, D-Arg-2β²6β²-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NHβ) is a synthetic cell-permeable tetrapeptide developed by Drs. Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller. It selectively concentrates ~1000-fold in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) via electrostatic attraction to cardiolipin, the unique phospholipid of the IMM. By binding cardiolipin and scavenging mitochondrial ROS, SS-31 preserves electron transport chain (ETC) function and cristae architecture.
CAS 736992-21-5 | MW 638.8 Da | D-Arg-2β²6β²-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NHβSelectively binds cardiolipin in IMM, stabilizing cristae architecture and preserving ETC complex organization and activity.
Reduces superoxide and HβOβ at Complex I and III β the primary mitochondrial ROS production sites β without affecting normal electron flow.
By reducing ETC uncoupling and ROS, SS-31 restores mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis efficiency in stressed cells.
Multiple cardiac ischemia studies confirm SS-31 reduces infarct size, preserves ejection fraction, and attenuates remodeling via mitochondrial protection.
Dauerman et al. demonstrated IV SS-31 (elamipretide) improved cardiac output and 6-minute walk distance in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients over 4 weeks.
JACC Heart Fail. 2020;8(3):200β213Szeto et al. showed SS-31 reduced myocardial infarct size by 50% when administered before reperfusion in rat coronary ligation models β establishing the cardioprotective mechanism.
J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2011;336(1):255β264Study of SS-31 in aged mice showed restored mitochondrial function, reduced ROS, and improved grip strength β establishing SS-31 as a tool for age-related mitochondrial decline research.
Aging Cell. 2018;17(1):e12703Phase II cardiac trials: 0.025β0.25 mg/kg/hr IV infusion. Rodent research: 3β10 mg/kg SC daily. In vitro: 0.1β10 Β΅M in cell culture. Endpoints: JC-1 (mitochondrial membrane potential), ATP assay, OCR (Seahorse), infarct size (TTC staining), and cardiac function (echocardiography).
| Full Name | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
| CAS Number | 736992-21-5 |
| Molecular Formula | CββHββNβOβ |
| Molecular Weight | 638.8 Da |
| Sequence | D-Arg-2β²6β²-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NHβ |
| Target | Cardiolipin / Inner Mitochondrial Membrane |
| Purity | β₯99% by HPLC |
| Storage | β20Β°C, desiccated |
