SS-31

Description

Overview

SS-31 (elamipretide, also referenced in the literature as MTP-131 and Bendavia) is a synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide developed within the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide series. It is characterized by the sequence H-D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, incorporating the non-standard residue 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) and a D-arginine at the N-terminus, features that confer resistance to enzymatic degradation and a distinctive alternating cationic/aromatic motif. This material is supplied as a lyophilized powder strictly for in-vitro and preclinical laboratory research. It is not a drug, supplement, or article intended for human or veterinary use.

G Peptide Labs supplies SS-31 to Canadian research organizations at high analytical purity, with each lot accompanied by third-party analytical documentation to support reproducible experimental work.

Research Context

SS-31 has been studied extensively as a mitochondria-targeting compound in cell-based systems and animal models. Published preclinical literature has examined its behaviour in models of mitochondrial dysfunction, including cardiac, renal, and phospholipid-remodelling disorders. Reported investigational areas include:

• Cellular and isolated-mitochondria assays probing oxidative phosphorylation and cristae architecture.
• Rodent models of cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction, including tafazzin-knockdown systems used to model phospholipid remodelling defects.
• Preclinical kidney-injury models examining mitochondrial protection and oxidative-stress markers.
• In-vitro studies of cardiolipin interaction, membrane electrostatics, and cytochrome c peroxidase activity.

These references describe observations made in laboratory and animal systems only. No statement here should be read as describing an effect in humans or as a therapeutic claim.

Mechanism of Interest

The primary mechanistic interest reported for SS-31 in the research literature is its selective association with cardiolipin, an anionic phospholipid enriched in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Researchers investigate how this interaction may relate to the stabilization of mitochondrial cristae structure and the modulation of cytochrome c behaviour. Points of experimental focus include:

• Electrostatic and hydrophobic binding to cardiolipin at the inner membrane.
• Effects on membrane surface potential and lipid-bilayer organization in reconstituted systems.
• Preservation of electron-transport-chain organization and supercomplex assembly in model tissues.
• Reduction of reactive-oxygen-species markers in oxidatively stressed cell cultures.

Mechanistic detail remains an active area of study, and the descriptions above summarize hypotheses and findings drawn from in-vitro and animal-model research.

Specifications

• Compound: SS-31 / elamipretide (tetrapeptide)
• Sequence: H-D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (C-terminal amide)
• Molecular formula: C32H49N9O5 (free base)
• Molecular weight: 639.79 g/mol (free base)
• CAS number: 736992-21-5 (free base)
• Purity: ≥99% by HPLC (see lot-specific COA)
• Physical form: White to off-white lyophilized powder
• Intended use: Research use only (RUO) — in-vitro / laboratory research

Handling / Reconstitution / Storage

• Store the sealed lyophilized powder at -20°C, protected from light and moisture; it is stable for extended periods under these conditions.
• Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to limit condensation on the powder.
• For reconstitution in laboratory workflows, sterile bacteriostatic or ultrapure water is commonly used as a diluent; gently swirl rather than shake vigorously to preserve peptide integrity.
• Once reconstituted, aliquot to minimize freeze-thaw cycles and store at -20°C or colder; keep short-term working stocks refrigerated at 2-8°C.
• Record reconstitution date and concentration on each aliquot to support experimental traceability.

Quality & Verification

Every lot of SS-31 is released with third-party analytical support so that researchers can confirm identity and purity before use. Verification typically includes:

• Reversed-phase HPLC purity profiling (≥99%).
• Mass spectrometry confirming the expected molecular weight.
• A lot-specific certificate of analysis (COA) documenting the results.

Researchers are encouraged to match the COA lot number to the label on the received vial and to review the reported purity and mass data as part of standard incoming-material checks. All products are supplied for lawful research purposes only.

Selected Research

Peer-reviewed references provided for scientific context; they describe laboratory and preclinical findings only.

1. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. British Journal of Pharmacology Szeto HH, 2014. PMID: 24117165
2. Elamipretide: A Review of Its Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Therapeutic Potential. International Journal of Molecular Sciences Tung C, Varzideh F, Farroni E, Mone P, Kansakar U, Jankauskas SS, Santulli G, 2025. PMID: 39940712
3. SS-31 treatment ameliorates cardiac mitochondrial morphology and defective mitophagy in a murine model of Barth syndrome. Scientific Reports Russo S, De Rasmo D, Rossi R, Signorile A, Lobasso S, 2024. PMID: 38871974
4. SS-31, a Mitochondria-Targeting Peptide, Ameliorates Kidney Disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Zhu Y, Luo M, Bai X, Li J, Nie P, Li B, Luo P, 2022. PMID: 35707274