SS-31

99%+ Purity USA Tested

Research Use Only. Not for Human or Veterinary Use

SS-31 (Elamipretide): Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide cardiolipin stabilizer and oxidative stress inhibitor, CAS 736992-21-5, MW 639.8 g/mol, ≥99% purity. Lyophilized powder for laboratory use.

$89.00

Peptide Name	SS-31 (Elamipretide / MTP-131)
CAS Number	736992-21-5
Molecular Formula	C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular Weight	~639.8 g/mol
Mechanism Class	Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide (cardiolipin stabilizer / ROS inhibitor)
Appearance	White lyophilized powder
Purity	≥99% (HPLC)
Storage	-20°C, desiccated, protected from light
Solubility	Soluble in sterile water or DMSO

This product is not intended for human or animal use. For scientific research only.

VivePeptides provides detailed analytical results including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry data for all peptides. These reports confirm peptide purity, composition, and molecular accuracy, giving researchers full transparency and confidence in the materials used for their studies.

All VivePeptides products undergo independent third-party laboratory testing to verify identity, purity, and consistency. This additional layer of quality control ensures that each peptide meets strict research-grade standards before being made available for laboratory use.

VivePeptides peptides should be stored in a cool, dry environment and protected from light and moisture. Lyophilized peptides are best kept refrigerated or frozen until use to maintain stability. Once reconstituted for research purposes, peptides should be stored according to standard laboratory protocols, typically under refrigeration, and handled using proper aseptic techniques to preserve integrity throughout the study period.

OVERVIEW

What Is SS 31 Peptide?

SS 31 is a synthetic, cell-permeable tetrapeptide designed to selectively target the inner mitochondrial membrane. Also known as Elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia, SS 31 was developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Bhatt at Weill Cornell Medical College as part of the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide series. It has emerged as one of the most important research tools for studying mitochondrial dysfunction, with preclinical and clinical studies spanning cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and aging research.

As a research peptide, SS 31 belongs to the Szeto-Schiller class of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptides. Its unique structure, incorporating the unnatural amino acid 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt), enables selective accumulation in the inner mitochondrial membrane at concentrations 1,000-fold to 5,000-fold higher than the surrounding cytoplasm. This targeting specificity, combined with its small molecular weight of 639.8 Da, has made SS 31 a foundational compound in mitochondrial biology research.

Mitochondria-Targeted Tetrapeptide

Synthetic 4-amino-acid peptide that selectively accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane

≥99% HPLC Purity

Every batch verified via high-performance liquid chromatography

USA Tested & Verified

Third-party analytical testing performed in USA laboratories

RESEARCH

SS 31 Mechanism of Action in Research

The SS 31 mechanism of action is centered on its unique ability to selectively target and accumulate within the inner mitochondrial membrane. Research has identified cardiolipin binding as the primary molecular interaction driving its effects on mitochondrial function and bioenergetics.

Cardiolipin Binding and Stabilization

SS 31 selectively binds to cardiolipin, a phospholipid found exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane that is essential for electron transport chain function. Research by Birk et al. (2013) published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society demonstrated that SS 31 interacts with cardiolipin through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, stabilizing its structure and preventing oxidative damage. Cardiolipin peroxidation is a hallmark of mitochondrial dysfunction, and SS 31’s protective effect on this critical lipid represents its primary therapeutic mechanism.

Electron Transport Chain Optimization

By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS 31 improves the organization and function of respiratory chain supercomplexes (Complexes I, III, and IV). Research indicates this supercomplex stabilization enhances electron transfer efficiency, reduces electron leak, and increases ATP production. Szeto et al. (2014) published findings demonstrating that SS 31 improved mitochondrial coupling efficiency in multiple preclinical models, directly linking cardiolipin stabilization to improved bioenergetic output.

Reactive Oxygen Species Reduction

SS 31 research has consistently demonstrated reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Rather than functioning as a conventional antioxidant that scavenges existing ROS, SS 31 reduces ROS generation at the source by improving electron transport chain efficiency. This mechanistic distinction is important because it addresses the cause of oxidative stress rather than its downstream effects. Published studies have shown that SS 31 reduces mitochondrial superoxide production without disrupting normal ROS signaling required for cellular homeostasis.

COMPARISON

SS 31 vs MOTS-c: Research Peptide Comparison

Both SS 31 and MOTS-c are peptides studied for their effects on mitochondrial function, but they differ fundamentally in origin, structure, and mechanism. SS 31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane, while MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Understanding these differences helps researchers select the appropriate compound for their specific laboratory protocols.

Feature	SS 31	MOTS-c
Origin	Synthetic (Szeto-Schiller series)	Endogenous (mitochondrial DNA encoded)
Amino Acids	4	16
CAS Number	736992-21-5	1627580-64-6
Molecular Weight	639.8 Da	2174.6 Da
Primary Research Focus	Cardiolipin stabilization and ETC function	AMPK activation and metabolic regulation
Target Location	Inner mitochondrial membrane	Cytoplasm and nucleus
Proposed Mechanism	Cardiolipin binding, ROS reduction	AMPK/AICAR pathway, gene regulation
Research Volume	150+ published studies	30+ published studies

Both peptides are valuable tools in mitochondrial research. SS 31 is the primary compound for studying mitochondrial membrane function and bioenergetics, while MOTS-c is preferred for metabolic signaling and exercise physiology research. VivePeptides offers both SS 31 and MOTS-c at research-grade purity from our USA-based facility.

RESEARCH STUDIES

SS 31 Research Applications & Published Studies

SS 31 research spans over fifteen years of published preclinical and clinical literature. The following areas represent the most actively investigated applications. All references are to research contexts only.

Cardiovascular Research

SS 31 has been extensively studied in cardiovascular models. Dai et al. (2013) published findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association demonstrating SS 31’s effects on cardiac mitochondrial function in aging models. Subsequent clinical studies have examined Elamipretide in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, with multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials investigating its potential to improve cardiac energetics and function.

Renal and Kidney Research

Published research has examined SS 31 in kidney injury models. Szeto et al. (2011) reported observations of SS 31’s effects on mitochondrial function in ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury models. These studies demonstrated that mitochondria-targeted therapy could preserve renal function by protecting mitochondrial integrity during acute stress, contributing to the growing body of research on mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney disease.

Neurological and Aging Research

SS 31 research has expanded into neurological applications and aging biology. Yin et al. (2016) published studies examining SS 31’s effects on mitochondrial function in neurodegeneration models. Research into SS 31 and aging has demonstrated improvements in multiple age-related mitochondrial parameters, including ATP production, ROS levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential in animal models (Siegel et al., 2013).

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality & Testing Standards

VivePeptides maintains rigorous quality control for every batch of SS 31 peptide. Our commitment to research-grade purity ensures that laboratories receive consistent, reliable compounds for their investigations.

HPLC & Mass Spectrometry

Every batch of SS 31 undergoes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry analysis to confirm identity, purity, and molecular weight.

Third-Party Verified

All VivePeptides SS 31 is independently verified through third-party analytical laboratories based in the USA. Testing documentation is available for every lot.

≥99% Purity Standard

Our SS 31 consistently meets or exceeds ≥99% purity as determined by HPLC analysis, ensuring research-grade quality for laboratory applications.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About SS 31

What is SS 31 used for in research?

SS 31 is used in preclinical and clinical research settings to study mitochondrial dysfunction, cardiolipin biology, electron transport chain function, oxidative stress, and bioenergetics. It is one of the most published mitochondria-targeted peptides in the scientific literature. SS 31 is sold for research use only.

What purity is VivePeptides SS 31?

VivePeptides SS 31 is manufactured to ≥99% purity as verified by HPLC analysis. Every batch is tested and verified through independent third-party USA-based laboratories to ensure consistent research-grade quality.

How should SS 31 be stored?

Lyophilized SS 31 should be stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted, the solution should be stored at 2 to 8°C and used within 14 days for optimal stability. SS 31 is soluble in sterile water or DMSO. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

What is the difference between SS 31 and Elamipretide?

SS 31 and Elamipretide are the same compound. SS 31 is the original research designation from the Szeto-Schiller peptide series. Elamipretide is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) adopted for clinical development. MTP-131 and Bendavia are additional designations used in different clinical trial phases. All refer to the same tetrapeptide sequence: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2.

Is VivePeptides SS 31 third-party tested?

Yes. Every lot of VivePeptides SS 31 undergoes independent third-party testing at USA-based analytical laboratories. Testing includes HPLC purity analysis and mass spectrometry identity confirmation. Results are available upon request for qualified researchers.

Related Research Peptides

Explore other research-grade peptides available from VivePeptides. Each product meets the same rigorous purity and testing standards.

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial-derived peptide for metabolic and exercise physiology research

GHK-Cu

Copper peptide for cellular signaling and tissue biology studies

BPC-157

Gastric pentadecapeptide for multi-pathway protective research

NAD+ Precursors

Compounds for NAD+ metabolism and mitochondrial function research

Explore More Research Peptides

Semaglutide · Tirzepatide · Selank · Semax · Tesamorelin · NAD+ · SNAP-8 · All Peptides →