SS-31
Elamipretide, MTP-131
Mitochondria-targeted peptide with genuine clinical development history.
What it is
A mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, also known as elamipretide.
What it does
Interacts with cardiolipin to support mitochondrial structure and efficiency.
Does it work?
Unlike most longevity peptides, this one has been through formal clinical trials for mitochondrial disease, with mixed results. That trial history is more informative than the wellness marketing around it.
Claims vs data
Each marketing claim, tagged by what the evidence actually supports.
| Supports mitochondrial structure and function | preclinical only |
| Trialled in humans for mitochondrial disease | supported |
| Delivers anti-ageing benefits in healthy people | weak evidence |
Reference figures
Quoted from published reference material. These are not Peptuity recommendations.
The evidence, counted
Live counts from Europe PMC and ClinicalTrials.gov.
1,042 publications indexed, but only 15 randomised controlled trials and 20 registered interventional studies. Human evidence exists but is thin.
query: "elamipretide" · checked 2026-08-07
Most-cited literature
-
Mitochondrial energetics in the kidney
Bhargava P, Schnellmann RG. · Nat Rev Nephrol 2017 · 1058 citations
-
Mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction in ageing and age-related diseases
Amorim JA, Coppotelli G, Rolo AP, Palmeira CM, Ross JM, Sinclair DA. · Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022 · 759 citations
-
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in heart disease
Peoples JN, Saraf A, Ghazal N, Pham TT, Kwong JQ. · Exp Mol Med 2019 · 747 citations
-
Expert consensus document: Mitochondrial function as a therapeutic target in heart failure
Brown DA, Perry JB, Allen ME, Sabbah HN, Stauffer BL, Shaikh SR, Clela · Nat Rev Cardiol 2017 · 631 citations
Regulatory status
Formal, dated regulatory actions.
WADA — Prohibited List 2026
Prohibited in sport — WADA S0 (substance without any health-authority approval)
Common questions
Is SS-31 the same as elamipretide?
Yes — elamipretide is the clinical development name. The same molecule has been through formal trials for mitochondrial disease.
What did those trials show?
Mixed results — some endpoints moved, others did not, and regulatory review has been complicated. That honest record beats the wellness marketing around it.
Should healthy people expect mitochondrial benefits?
The trials were in disease populations. Benefit in healthy adults is an extrapolation no controlled study has confirmed.