SS-31
Overview
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide studied for its ability to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. It has been evaluated in clinical trials across several mitochondrial disorders, and in September 2025 the FDA granted accelerated approval to elamipretide for Barth syndrome — the first therapy directly targeting a mitochondrial cardiolipin etiology.
Mechanism
SS-31 selectively binds cardiolipin, a phospholipid concentrated in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This interaction is reported to stabilize mitochondrial cristae structure, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance ATP production, restoring efficiency of the electron transport chain.
Research Areas
- Cardiolipin binding and inner-membrane cristae stabilization
- Mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative-stress reduction
- Clinical evaluation in mitochondrial disease (Barth syndrome)
Handling & Storage
Lyophilized; store refrigerated and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for research use.
References
- 1.Chavez JD, et al. Mitochondrial protein interaction landscape of SS-31. PNAS (PMC7334473), 2020.
- 2.Reddy PH, et al. Elamipretide: A Review of Its Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Therapeutic Potential. PMC11816484, 2025.
- 3.Reid Thompson W, et al. Elamipretide: the first cardiolipin-directed mitochondrial therapeutic for Barth syndrome approved under accelerated approval. PubMed 41260682, 2025.