SS-31
The mitochondria peptide — targets the inner mitochondrial membrane directly. 50+ peer-reviewed preclinical studies. 3-lab independent COA on every batch.
What is SS-31?
SS-31 (Elamipretide), also known as a Szeto-Schiller peptide, is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively targets the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is the mitochondria peptide — targeting the inner mitochondrial membrane directly, unlike any other compound class in current research.
With 50+ preclinical publications, SS-31 has been studied extensively in models of mitochondrial inner membrane stabilization, cardiolipin binding, oxidative stress reduction, cellular energy restoration, and aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Its unique mechanism involves direct binding to cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing electron transport chain function.
Published preclinical research areas
Mitochondrial inner membrane stabilization
Studied in preclinical models examining direct binding to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Research explores stabilization of cristae structure, electron transport chain efficiency, and prevention of cytochrome c release.
Cardiolipin binding
Preclinical studies examine SS-31's selective interaction with cardiolipin — a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Research explores how this binding prevents cardiolipin peroxidation and maintains membrane potential.
Oxidative stress reduction
Research examines SS-31's role in reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at the source — by optimizing electron transport chain function rather than scavenging free radicals after they are produced.
Cellular energy and aging models
Preclinical research explores SS-31 in age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, ATP production restoration, skeletal muscle energetics, cardiac function models, and neurodegenerative disease models involving mitochondrial impairment.
Available formulations at SMART MD
SMART MD quality standard for SS-31
- HPLC purity analysis — identity and purity confirmed via high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Mass spectrometry — molecular weight confirmation. Verifies correct peptide sequence.
- LAL endotoxin assay — <5 EU/mg. Bacterial endotoxin safety verification.
- 3 independent U.S. laboratories — rotating panel. No single lab relationship can compromise verification integrity.
- Lot-specific COA — publicly verifiable at smartmdpeptides.com/verify before you reach out.
Questions about this compound?
A SMART rep can walk you through the formulations we document, the lot-specific COA for any batch, purity and endotoxin data, and storage and handling requirements for your protocol. Leave your name, email, phone, and what you're researching — a rep follows up within one business day. Research use only: we do not provide dosing, administration, or human-use guidance of any kind, and nothing we send is medical advice.
SS-31 FAQ
What SS-31 formulations does SMART MD document?+
Research-grade SS-31 (Elamipretide) with 3-lab COA verification is available at SMART MD Peptides in 10mg, 25mg, and 50mg formulations. Every batch is publicly verifiable at smartmdpeptides.com/verify.
What is the purity of SMART MD's SS-31?+
Every SS-31 batch is third-party tested with a published COA. Each batch is independently verified by 3 U.S. laboratories — HPLC for purity, mass spectrometry for molecular weight, and LAL endotoxin assay for safety.
What makes SS-31 unique among research peptides?+
SS-31 is the only research peptide that directly targets the inner mitochondrial membrane via cardiolipin binding. Unlike antioxidants that scavenge free radicals after production, SS-31 optimizes electron transport chain function to reduce ROS generation at the source. No other compound class operates by this mechanism.
Is SS-31 legal for research?+
SS-31 is legal to acquire for research purposes. It is classified as a research-use-only compound — not FDA-approved for therapeutic use, not intended for human consumption. Qualified researchers and research institutions may request documentation for preclinical laboratory research.
How should SS-31 be stored?+
Lyophilized (unreconstituted) SS-31 should be stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted, store at 2-8°C and use within the timeframe specified on your lot-specific documentation.