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SS-31 (Elamipretide) UAE: Mitochondrial Research Peptide Guide and Where to Buy (2026)
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5 min read
For research use only. Material is supplied as a lyophilized reference compound with HPLC purity verification.
- Key Facts at a Glance
- What Is SS-31?
- How Does SS-31 Work?
- SS-31 Research: Key Clinical Evidence
- SS-31 in the Mitochondrial Research Stack
At the frontier of mitochondrial medicine research, SS-31 (Elamipretide) has emerged as one of the most mechanistically precise compounds available. Unlike broad-spectrum antioxidants that scatter their effects across multiple targets, SS-31 works at the innermost membrane of the mitochondria — targeting a single critical molecule, cardiolipin, that is essential for mitochondrial energy production and structural integrity.
02
What Is SS-31?
SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂. It was developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller at Cornell University as part of a series of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptides (the Szeto-Schiller or “SS” peptide series). The alternating aromatic and basic amino acid structure gives SS-31 a unique ability to penetrate the mitochondrial inner membrane and concentrate at its surface.
SS-31 has progressed further into clinical development than most research peptides, having completed multiple Phase 2 trials in heart failure, renal disease, and Barth syndrome — giving it one of the strongest evidence bases of any mitochondrial research compound.
03 · Work
How Does SS-31 Work?
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SS-31’s mechanism centres on its interaction with cardiolipin — a unique phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin plays a critical structural and functional role: it stabilises the electron transport chain complexes (particularly Complex I and Complex III), supports the supercomplexes that optimise electron transfer efficiency, and anchors cytochrome c to the inner membrane.
- Cardiolipin stabilisation: SS-31 binds directly to cardiolipin, preventing its oxidation and maintaining the structural integrity of the inner mitochondrial membrane
- Electron transport chain optimisation: By preserving cardiolipin’s interaction with ETC complexes, SS-31 restores electron transfer efficiency and reduces electron “leakage” that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- ROS reduction: Reduced ETC inefficiency dramatically lowers mitochondrial ROS production — addressing a root cause of oxidative stress rather than neutralising its products
- ATP production restoration: Research consistently shows SS-31 restores mitochondrial ATP output in aged or damaged mitochondria
- Cristae structure preservation: SS-31 maintains the folded cristae structure of the inner membrane that is essential for efficient oxidative phosphorylation
04 · Research
SS-31 Research: Key Clinical Evidence
Heart Failure (MMAD and EMBRACE Trials)
SS-31 has been evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) — a condition strongly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. The MMAD trial demonstrated improvements in 6-minute walk distance and quality of life measures. While Phase 3 results were mixed, these trials established SS-31’s safety profile and provided valuable mechanistic data in human subjects.
Skeletal Muscle and Exercise Capacity
Research in aged rodent models has consistently demonstrated that SS-31 restores skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, improving exercise capacity, fatigue resistance, and muscle fibre composition. A landmark study showed that SS-31 administration in aged mice produced improvements in exercise performance equivalent to young mice — one of the most dramatic demonstrations of mitochondrial rescue in aging research.
Renal Protection
SS-31 has been studied in acute kidney injury (AKI) models, where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in tubular cell death. Research demonstrated significant reductions in serum creatinine, tubular apoptosis, and oxidative damage in SS-31-treated animals — findings replicated in a Phase 2 trial of cardiac surgery patients at high risk of AKI.
05 · Mitochondrial
SS-31 in the Mitochondrial Research Stack
| Peptide | Mitochondrial Target | Primary Effect |
|---|---|---|
| SS-31 | Cardiolipin / inner membrane | ETC efficiency, ROS reduction, ATP restoration |
| MOTS-c | AMPK / nucleus | Energy sensing, glucose metabolism, biogenesis |
| NAD+ | ETC cofactor / sirtuins | Electron carrier, DNA repair, sirtuin activation |
| Epithalon | Telomerase / pineal | Cellular lifespan, antioxidant enzyme induction |
SS-31 is frequently combined with MOTS-c and NAD+ in comprehensive mitochondrial health research protocols.
06 · Research
Research Dosing (Reference)
For research reference only. Not approved for general human use.
In animal studies, SS-31 has been administered via subcutaneous injection at 3-5mg/kg. In human clinical trials, doses of 0.05 to 0.25mg/kg via intravenous infusion have been used. Emirates Peptides supplies SS-31 in 10mg vials.
Storage
Lyophilised:
20°C long-term or 2-8°C up to 6 months
Reconstituted:
2-8°C, use within 28 days
07
Where to Buy SS-31 in the UAE
- ✅ COA-verified, ≥99% purity
- ✅ 10mg vials
- ✅ Fast delivery to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and all UAE emirates
- ✅ GCC shipping available
- ✅ Cash on delivery in Dubai
08 · Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SS-31 the same as Elamipretide?
Yes. SS-31 is the research/laboratory designation; Elamipretide is the pharmaceutical name (Stealth BioTherapeutics’ development compound). Also called Bendavia in older publications. All three names refer to the same tetrapeptide: D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2.
What does cardiolipin do, and why does SS-31 bind it?
Cardiolipin is the signature phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane. It stabilises the cristae structure where ATP synthesis happens. In dysfunctional mitochondria, cardiolipin is oxidised and the membrane geometry collapses. SS-31 binds cardiolipin selectively, restoring the architecture and ATP production capacity.
What is the typical SS-31 research dose?
Clinical research protocols use 40 mg/day subcutaneous. Some heart failure trials load with 60 mg/day for the first 2–4 weeks then taper to 40 mg/day. Pre-clinical research at higher doses (up to 100 mg/day) has been reported in mitochondrial disease studies.
How does SS-31 stack with MOTS-c and NAD+?
The three target different parts of mitochondrial biology. SS-31 protects cardiolipin and cristae structure. MOTS-c activates AMPK and drives mitochondrial biogenesis. NAD+ supplementation restores the cofactor pool for electron transport. Stacked, they cover structure (SS-31), function (NAD+), and biogenesis (MOTS-c).
Has SS-31 been tested in human trials?
Yes — extensively. Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials include MMAD and EMBRACE (heart failure), RESTORE (mitochondrial myopathy), and renal protection studies. Few research peptides have this depth of human clinical trial evidence, although Elamipretide has not yet achieved FDA approval as of 2026.
Is SS-31 legal in the UAE?
SS-31 is supplied strictly for laboratory research use and is not a controlled substance in the UAE.
Disclaimer: For laboratory research use only. Not approved for general human use. Not medical advice.
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Selected Research References
Selected scientific references for research context only. Products remain for laboratory research use and are not for human use.
- Elamipretide (SS-31) improves ADP sensitivity in aged mitochondria
- Elamipretide (SS-31) improves mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic and memory impairment induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice
- The mitochondria-targeted peptide SS-31 binds lipid bilayers and modulates surface electrostatics
- Elamipretide: A Review of Its Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Therapeutic Potential
Emirates Peptides Research Team
A dedicated coalition of biochemists and clinical researchers focusing on advanced peptide synthesis and pharmacological applications. All data is verified against current clinical trials.
