Buy SS-31 (Elamipretide) Research Peptide

What is SS-31 (Elamipretide)?

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a synthetic four-amino-acid peptide that gathers at the inner membrane of mitochondria by binding cardiolipin, a fat found only there. It is studied in animal research as a tool for looking at mitochondrial function and cell energy.

• A four-amino-acid peptide that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane via cardiolipin
• Studied for its effects on mitochondrial energy (membrane potential and ATP) signaling
• Investigated for its effects on reactive oxygen species during energy production
• Studied in animal heart and kidney tissue for mitochondrial function

For research use only. Not approved for human therapeutic use.

SS-31 (CAS 736992-21-5), also known as Elamipretide, Bendavia, and MTP-131, is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with the molecular formula C32H49N9O5 and a molecular weight of 639.80 g/mol (free base). Defined by the amino acid sequence D-Arg-2’,6’-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2, SS-31 belongs to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) family of cell-penetrating peptides and features an alternating motif of cationic and aromatic residues, a structural arrangement considered central to its mitochondrial targeting properties. The incorporation of D-arginine and 2’,6’-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) confers resistance to enzymatic degradation. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, Elamipretide selectively accumulates at the inner mitochondrial membrane through cardiolipin binding.

SS-31’s ability to bind cardiolipin has been characterised as a mechanism that selectively directs the peptide to the inner mitochondrial membrane. In vitro studies have documented that SS-31 selectively targets cardiolipin and modulates its interaction with cytochrome c, inhibiting peroxidase activity of cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex while protecting the capacity of cytochrome c to serve as an electron carrier, and characterising these effects as the basis for more efficient mitochondrial electron transport and ATP synthesis [1]. In vivo rodent studies have examined the compound in models of age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, documenting that a single administration of the mitochondrial-targeted peptide rapidly restored resting and maximal mitochondrial ATP production, oxidative phosphorylation coupling, and cellular energy state toward young levels in the skeletal muscle of aged mice, alongside a more reduced glutathione redox status, lower mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide emission, and greater fatigue resistance [2], making SS-31 a reference compound in mitochondrial bioenergetics research examining cardiolipin-targeted modulation of electron transport and age-associated mitochondrial function in preclinical models.

SS-31 is produced to research-grade standards and independently verified by third-party HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

References

1Birk AV, Chao WM, Bracken C, Warren JD, Szeto HH. Targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin and the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex to promote electron transport and optimize mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Br J Pharmacol. 2014 Apr;171(8):2017–28. ; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3976619.PubMed PMID: 241346982Siegel MP, Kruse SE, Percival JM, Goh J, White CC, Hopkins HC, et al. Mitochondrial targeted peptide rapidly improves mitochondrial energetics and skeletal muscle performance in aged mice. Aging Cell. 2013 Oct;12(5):763–71. ; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3772966.PubMed PMID: 23692570

Scientific Review

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed for scientific accuracy, 14 June 2026

View credentials →

SS-31 (CAS 736992-21-5), also known as Elamipretide, Bendavia, and MTP-131, is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with the molecular formula C32H49N9O5 and a molecular weight of 639.80 g/mol (free base). Defined by the amino acid sequence D-Arg-2’,6’-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2, SS-31 belongs to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) family of cell-penetrating peptides and features an alternating motif of cationic and aromatic residues, a structural arrangement considered central to its mitochondrial targeting properties. The incorporation of D-arginine and 2’,6’-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) confers resistance to enzymatic degradation. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, Elamipretide selectively accumulates at the inner mitochondrial membrane through cardiolipin binding.

SS-31’s ability to bind cardiolipin has been characterised as a mechanism that selectively directs the peptide to the inner mitochondrial membrane. In vitro studies have documented that SS-31 selectively targets cardiolipin and modulates its interaction with cytochrome c, inhibiting peroxidase activity of cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex while protecting the capacity of cytochrome c to serve as an electron carrier, and characterising these effects as the basis for more efficient mitochondrial electron transport and ATP synthesis [1]. In vivo rodent studies have examined the compound in models of age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, documenting that a single administration of the mitochondrial-targeted peptide rapidly restored resting and maximal mitochondrial ATP production, oxidative phosphorylation coupling, and cellular energy state toward young levels in the skeletal muscle of aged mice, alongside a more reduced glutathione redox status, lower mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide emission, and greater fatigue resistance [2], making SS-31 a reference compound in mitochondrial bioenergetics research examining cardiolipin-targeted modulation of electron transport and age-associated mitochondrial function in preclinical models.

SS-31 is produced to research-grade standards and independently verified by third-party HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

References

1Birk AV, Chao WM, Bracken C, Warren JD, Szeto HH. Targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin and the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex to promote electron transport and optimize mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Br J Pharmacol. 2014 Apr;171(8):2017–28. ; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3976619.PubMed PMID: 241346982Siegel MP, Kruse SE, Percival JM, Goh J, White CC, Hopkins HC, et al. Mitochondrial targeted peptide rapidly improves mitochondrial energetics and skeletal muscle performance in aged mice. Aging Cell. 2013 Oct;12(5):763–71. ; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3772966.PubMed PMID: 23692570

Scientific Review

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed for scientific accuracy, 14 June 2026

View credentials →CAS Number736992-21-5Molecular Weight639.80 g/molPurity≥98%Physical FormLyophilised PowderManufacturingManufactured in an ISO9001 Certified LaboratoryTestingHPLC + MS-UPLCSKUSS31

Lyophilised powder: store at -20 °C or below, away from light and moisture. Once reconstituted in an appropriate laboratory diluent (e.g. sterile water, PBS, or assay buffer), store at 2–8 °C and use within the validated period for your protocol. Do not refreeze.

SS-31 (CAS 736992-21-5), also known as Elamipretide, Bendavia, and MTP-131, is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with the molecular formula C32H49N9O5 and a molecular weight of 639.80 g/mol (free base). Defined by the amino acid sequence D-Arg-2’,6’-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2, SS-31 belongs to the Szeto-Schiller (SS) family of cell-penetrating peptides and features an alternating motif of cationic and aromatic residues, a structural arrangement considered central to its mitochondrial targeting properties. The incorporation of D-arginine and 2’,6’-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) confers resistance to enzymatic degradation. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, Elamipretide selectively accumulates at the inner mitochondrial membrane through cardiolipin binding.

SS-31’s ability to bind cardiolipin has been characterised as a mechanism that selectively directs the peptide to the inner mitochondrial membrane. In vitro studies have documented that SS-31 selectively targets cardiolipin and modulates its interaction with cytochrome c, inhibiting peroxidase activity of cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex while protecting the capacity of cytochrome c to serve as an electron carrier, and characterising these effects as the basis for more efficient mitochondrial electron transport and ATP synthesis [1]. In vivo rodent studies have examined the compound in models of age-related mitochondrial dysfunction, documenting that a single administration of the mitochondrial-targeted peptide rapidly restored resting and maximal mitochondrial ATP production, oxidative phosphorylation coupling, and cellular energy state toward young levels in the skeletal muscle of aged mice, alongside a more reduced glutathione redox status, lower mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide emission, and greater fatigue resistance [2], making SS-31 a reference compound in mitochondrial bioenergetics research examining cardiolipin-targeted modulation of electron transport and age-associated mitochondrial function in preclinical models.

SS-31 is produced to research-grade standards and independently verified by third-party HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

References

1Birk AV, Chao WM, Bracken C, Warren JD, Szeto HH. Targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin and the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex to promote electron transport and optimize mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Br J Pharmacol. 2014 Apr;171(8):2017–28. ; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3976619.PubMed PMID: 241346982Siegel MP, Kruse SE, Percival JM, Goh J, White CC, Hopkins HC, et al. Mitochondrial targeted peptide rapidly improves mitochondrial energetics and skeletal muscle performance in aged mice. Aging Cell. 2013 Oct;12(5):763–71. ; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3772966.PubMed PMID: 23692570

Scientific Review

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed for scientific accuracy, 14 June 2026

View credentials →CAS Number736992-21-5Molecular Weight639.80 g/molPurity≥98%Physical FormLyophilised PowderManufacturingManufactured in an ISO9001 Certified LaboratoryTestingHPLC + MS-UPLCSKUSS31

Lyophilised powder: store at -20 °C or below, away from light and moisture. Once reconstituted in an appropriate laboratory diluent (e.g. sterile water, PBS, or assay buffer), store at 2–8 °C and use within the validated period for your protocol. Do not refreeze.