SS-31

SS-31 (Elamipretide, MTP-131) is a synthetic cell-permeable tetrapeptide (D-Arg-2',6'-dimethyl-Tyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively targets the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds the phospholipid cardiolipin. In preclinical research it is studied for stabilising cristae architecture, improving electron-transport-chain coupling and ATP synthesis, and reducing reactive oxygen species. Unlike general antioxidants, its activity is concentrated at the mitochondrion via cardiolipin association. Supplied at ≥99% HPLC purity for in-vitro research use only.

Both are mitochondria-related research peptides but act through different mechanisms. SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that physically localises to the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, studied for membrane stabilisation and bioenergetics. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region that acts as a signalling molecule influencing metabolic and AMPK pathways. They are complementary but distinct research tools and are not interchangeable. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Reconstitution: Add 1–2mL of bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial with a 31G syringe and swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake. A 10mg vial reconstituted with 1mL BAC water yields a 10mg/mL solution. Storage: Lyophilised — store at −20°C for up to 24 months. Reconstituted — refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 4 weeks, protected from light. BAC water is available at /products/bac-water-10ml. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Legal status: SS-31 is legal to purchase in Australia for legitimate laboratory research purposes. It is not a scheduled substance under the Poisons Standard when sold for research use only, and is not for human consumption, therapeutic, cosmetic, or veterinary use. Purchasers must be 18+ and confirm research-only intent. Quality: each batch is independently verified by third-party HPLC at ≥99% purity with a full COA including HPLC purity %, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, and sterility screening. Full COAs are available in our COA Library.

Peptide Warehouse Australia stocks SS-31 10mg and ships nationwide via Australia Post with full tracking. Orders placed before 12PM AEST dispatch the same business day from our Melbourne warehouse; orders after 12PM AEST dispatch the next business day. Standard Post $8.99 (2–6 business days); Express Post $13.99 (1–3 business days); free shipping on all orders over $199 AUD. All orders ship in discreet plain packaging with no external branding. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Cardiolipin is a unique phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it is essential for organising the protein complexes of the electron transport chain and maintaining cristae curvature. In disease and ageing models, cardiolipin can become peroxidised and mislocalised, which destabilises these complexes. SS-31's aromatic-cationic structure gives it a high binding affinity for cardiolipin, concentrating the peptide precisely where bioenergetic machinery sits. This is why research frames SS-31 as 'mitochondria-targeted' rather than a diffuse antioxidant — its protective association is localised to the membrane that powers the cell. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

General antioxidants such as CoQ10 scavenge reactive oxygen species but are not selectively concentrated at the inner mitochondrial membrane. MitoQ is mitochondria-directed via a triphenylphosphonium cation that accumulates with membrane potential. SS-31 differs again: it concentrates by binding cardiolipin rather than by charge-driven accumulation, so its localisation does not depend on membrane potential — a relevant distinction in models where mitochondria are already depolarised. Research interest centres on this structural/protective role at the membrane rather than simple radical scavenging. They are distinct research tools. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Published preclinical and early clinical research on SS-31 (Elamipretide) spans several areas: cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion and heart-failure models examining mitochondrial bioenergetics; renal ischaemia-reperfusion and acute kidney injury models; skeletal-muscle and primary mitochondrial myopathy models examining ATP capacity and fatigue; and ophthalmic research including dry age-related macular degeneration models. The common thread is restoration of mitochondrial efficiency and reduction of oxidative damage in tissues with high energy demand. All such work is research-only; SS-31 is not approved for human use by the TGA. For research use only.

Working concentrations are entirely protocol-dependent and vary widely between in-vitro assays (often nanomolar to low-micromolar in cell culture) and the model system under study. Our 10mg vial reconstituted in 1mL BAC water gives a 10mg/mL stock that researchers then dilute to their target working concentration. We do not provide dosing guidance — appropriate concentrations should be drawn from the peer-reviewed literature relevant to the specific experimental design. Use our peptide calculator (/tools/peptide-calculator) to plan stock dilutions. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Yes — in research settings SS-31 is sometimes examined together with other mitochondrial-related compounds to probe complementary pathways. SS-31 acts structurally at the inner-membrane (cardiolipin) level, MOTS-c (/products/mots-c) signals through AMPK and metabolic pathways, and NAD+ (/products/nad-plus) supports redox and sirtuin-linked pathways. Each is reconstituted separately and combined at the point of use according to the protocol. Researchers should consult the literature for appropriate ratios and controls. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

As a small, modified tetrapeptide, SS-31 is relatively robust in lyophilised form and stores well at −20°C for up to 24 months. Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water it should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within about 4 weeks, kept away from light and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade peptide integrity. For longer storage of reconstituted material, aliquoting and freezing at −20°C is common practice in research labs to avoid repeated warming. Always confirm solution clarity before use. Not for human consumption — for research use only.