SS-31
SS-31 is a longevity & energy peptide. Typical research dosing is daily or 5x weekly, and the body of supporting research is phase 3 clinical trials.
What is SS-31
SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia) is a synthetic tetrapeptide that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane. It was developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller (SS = Szeto-Schiller). In plain language: it helps your mitochondria produce energy more efficiently and protects them from oxidative damage. It has undergone clinical trials for heart failure and Barth syndrome (a mitochondrial disease). Browse the full peptide library for related longevity compounds.
The mechanism: SS-31 concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilizes cardiolipin, a lipid that is required for the electron transport chain to function properly. By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 improves the efficiency of ATP production and dramatically reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are the primary driver of mitochondrial oxidative damage and aging. Less ROS means less cellular damage over time.
What does the research actually show? Clinical trials for Barth syndrome showed measurable improvements in cardiac function. Broader longevity applications are being studied but are earlier stage. In aging animal models, old mice given SS-31 showed improvements in exercise tolerance, heart function, and kidney function that returned them to levels seen in young animals. The question is whether supplementation in healthy people provides meaningful benefit or whether it is mainly useful for people with existing mitochondrial dysfunction.
What makes SS-31 unique among anti-aging peptides is its precise targeting mechanism. It selectively accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane rather than floating around the cell generally. For complementary mitochondrial support, consider stacking with NAD+ and MOTS-c. NAD+ provides the substrate for energy production. SS-31 improves the machinery. MOTS-c optimizes metabolic signaling. Together they form a comprehensive mitochondrial stack.
Dosing: Research protocols use 0.1 to 1mg per kg subcutaneous, typically daily during a protocol period. Most biohackers use 5 to 20mg daily for 4 to 8 week cycles. This is extrapolated from clinical data, not from specific biohacker trials. Start at the lower end and assess response.
In Philippines, SS-31 is available research-grade from regional suppliers. It is one of the more expensive research peptides due to synthesis complexity. For verified suppliers, see the supply index. Verify purity via the COA guide. For legal context, see the peptide legality guide. For combining SS-31 with NAD+ IV therapy in the Philippines, see the NAD+ longevity guide.
SS-31 is often stacked with Epitalon for comprehensive longevity protocols. Epitalon targets telomeres (chromosomal aging). SS-31 targets mitochondria (cellular energy aging). The combination addresses two distinct mechanisms of cellular decline. For users combining mitochondrial peptides with immune support, thymosin alpha-1 is a common pairing for aging-related immune decline.
How it works
Cardiolipin Stabilization: SS-31 binds directly to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing the structure of mitochondrial cristae and improving electron transport chain efficiency.
ROS Reduction: By improving electron flow efficiency, SS-31 dramatically reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) — the primary driver of mitochondrial oxidative damage and aging.
ATP Production: Better mitochondrial efficiency means more ATP (cellular energy) produced per unit of fuel, improving cellular performance throughout the body.
Reported benefits
- Mitochondrial efficiency improvement — more energy from same fuel
- Reduced oxidative stress and ROS production
- Cardioprotection — protects heart tissue from ischemic damage
- Improved exercise tolerance and physical performance
- Kidney protection (renal mitochondrial support)
- Neurodegenerative disease protection
- Age-related mitochondrial decline reversal (animal models)
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2–4mg | Once daily SC | 8–12 weeks |
| Cardiac Protocol | 4mg | Once daily | 12 weeks |
| Longevity Maintenance | 2mg | 5x weekly | Ongoing |
Always start at the lowest effective dose and titrate up gradually.
Side effects
Common
- Injection site reactions (mild pain, redness)
- Nausea in small subset of users
- Fatigue in first week (mitochondrial adaptation)
Rare
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhea at higher doses
Who should not use SS-31
What to expect
Week 1–2
Some users notice improved energy early. Exercise tolerance may already be improving.
Week 3–6
Sustained energy improvements. Faster recovery. Cardiovascular efficiency improving.
Month 2–3
Full mitochondrial benefits established. Most users report feeling substantially more energetic.
FAQ
How does SS-31 compare to NAD+ for mitochondrial health?
Is SS-31 appropriate for younger users?
Where to get SS-31 in the Philippines
See our community-verified supplier list with COA verification and cold-chain shipping to the Philippines.
Risk · Disclosure · Editorial Status
This page is editorial information for adults researching peptide therapy. It is not medical advice, not a prescription, and not an endorsement of any specific product, supplier, or protocol. Side effects can be serious and individual response varies. Talk to a licensed physician — ideally one with peptide-specific clinical experience — before starting any compound, adjusting a dose, or discontinuing therapy.
In the Philippines, GLP-1 medications are prescription-only under FDA Philippines regulation. Research-grade peptides occupy a regulatory gray area: import for personal research use is generally tolerated, but the Bureau of Customs reserves the right to inspect and detain shipments. Do not import for resale.
Editorial Status
Independent · Non-clinical
Affiliation
Not a clinic · Not a pharmacy
Last Updated
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