How does SS-31 (Elamipretide / MTP-131) work?
Mitochondria-targeted peptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin. Stabilizes the electron transport chain and improves ATP production efficiency under stress. In plain terms, SS-31 (Elamipretide / MTP-131) is boosts your cells' energy production at the source. A mitochondria-targeting peptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane to support ATP production, FDA-approved in 2025 as FORZINITY for Barth syndrome, the first mitochondria-targeted drug, with all other uses off-label. Mechanistic detail like this comes largely from preclinical and early research, the human picture is limited.
What people use it for
- Users with mitochondrial-flavored fatigue
- Older adults targeting cellular bioenergetics
- Stack add-ons for hard-training athletes
References
- Elamipretide in primary mitochondrial myopathy (MMPOWER trials) — Karaa A et al., Neurology, 2018
- Long-term efficacy and safety of elamipretide in patients with Barth syndrome: 168-week open-label extension results of TAZPOWER — Thompson WR, Manuel R, Abbruscato A, et al. — Genetics in Medicine, 2024
- FORZINITY (elamipretide hydrochloride) injection — FDA Prescribing Information — FDA / DailyMed (Stealth BioTherapeutics), 2025
Pepdex is an editorial reference, not medical advice. Peptides vary in legal and approval status by country, many are research compounds without full human safety data. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting anything.
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Last updated 2026-06-06.