SS-31
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide studied in cardiolipin-protection and mitochondrial-bioenergetics research models.
We have not published an audit on SS-31. Everything below is reference material, not our own reading of the literature, treat it as a starting point for questions, not as a grade.
How it is thought to work
Cardiolipin interaction; mitochondrial function support.
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a small peptide that travels into the inner membrane of mitochondria and latches onto a structural fat molecule called cardiolipin, helping to keep the mitochondria's energy-making machinery stable when it is under stress.
Reported side effects
The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials were injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, itching, or mild pain), headache especially in the first weeks, and mild dizziness, nausea, or fatigue that were mostly self-limited.
Who should avoid it
People with serious allergies to elamipretide or its ingredients, neonates (due to benzyl alcohol in the formulation), those with severe kidney problems (who need a dose adjustment or have no established regimen), pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and anyone outside the narrow FDA-approved group of Barth syndrome patients weighing at least 30 kg should not use Forzinity without qualified clinician oversight.
What sources report
These are figures published elsewhere, reproduced with their source. Peppersite does not recommend an amount for SS-31 or for anything else, and nothing below has been checked against the study it came from.
| Amount | Frequency | Route | Reported by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mg subcutaneous daily (Phase 3 dose); or 5-10 mg daily (research community range) | Once dailyRepeatable | subcutaneous | Peptide Protocol WikiWhat it saysHide(secondary reference; provider confirmation required). |
| Standard: 40 mg · Low: 20 mg | once daily12 weeks per period Open-label extension All remaining patients on elamipretide 40 mg SC daily Up to 168 weeks Reported in Genetics in Medicine, 2024. | Subcutaneous | Peptide Dosing ProtocolsWhat it saysHide(secondary reference; provider confirmation required). The standard dosing for SS-31 is 40 mg subcutaneously once daily. |
| Investigational; commonly studied at 40 mg SC daily - provider-directed | once daily (study protocols)Per provider/study protocol · Per provider/study protocol | subcutaneous | Commonly published practitioner dosing range - provider confirmation required. |
- Once dailyRepeatable
- subcutaneous
- Peptide Protocol Wiki
What it saysHide
(secondary reference; provider confirmation required).
- once daily12 weeks per period Open-label extension All remaining patients on elamipretide 40 mg SC daily Up to 168 weeks Reported in Genetics in Medicine, 2024.
- Subcutaneous
- Peptide Dosing Protocols
What it saysHide
(secondary reference; provider confirmation required). The standard dosing for SS-31 is 40 mg subcutaneously once daily.
- once daily (study protocols)Per provider/study protocol · Per provider/study protocol
- subcutaneous
- Commonly published practitioner dosing range - provider confirmation required.
- reconstitution, and safety considerations for this mitochondria-targeted peptide.
- Compounded; varies · Reconstitute per compounding pharmacy instructions
Common questions
Is SS-31 the same as elamipretide and Forzinity?
Yes, SS-31 is the original research code, elamipretide is the generic name, and FORZINITY is the FDA-approved brand name.
Is SS-31 FDA-approved?
Partially; it is FDA-approved for Barth syndrome in patients weighing at least 30 kg.
What dose was used in the SS-31 clinical trial?
The TAZPOWER trial used 40 mg subcutaneously once daily.
How is SS-31 reconstituted?
Forzinity does not require reconstitution, while research-use vials typically do.
How long is a typical SS-31 cycle?
There is no endorsed personal-use cycle; the Forzinity label uses continuous daily dosing.
What are the most common SS-31 side effects?
Injection-site reactions, headaches, mild nausea, and fatigue are the most common.
Who should avoid SS-31?
Anyone with serious hypersensitivity to elamipretide or excipients, and neonates due to benzyl alcohol.
How does SS-31 compare to MOTS-c?
They work differently; SS-31 stabilizes mitochondrial structure, while MOTS-c signals through different pathways.
Sources
The reference sections above are imported from our compound knowledge base, which classes the evidence for SS-31 as clinical. That classification is the knowledge base’s, not ours, our own grade appears only where an audit is linked above. Research use only; nothing here is medical advice or a protocol.