SS-31 Elamipretide: Research Guide to Mitochondrial Peptide Science
Introduction to SS-31 Elamipretide
SS-31 elamipretide is a synthetic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that has been extensively investigated in mitochondrial biology, peptide chemistry, membrane research, and cellular bioenergetics.
SS-31 is also known by several related names, including elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia. PubChem identifies elamipretide as an oligopeptide and provides the molecular formula C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅, molecular weight 639.8 g/mol, and sequence RXKF. Its more detailed structural description is D-arginyl-2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosyl-L-lysyl-L-phenylalaninamide.
The scientific interest in SS-31 centers on its interaction with cardiolipin, a distinctive phospholipid located predominantly in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This makes the peptide particularly relevant to research involving mitochondrial membrane structure, membrane biophysics, oxidative phosphorylation, and cellular energy metabolism.
For laboratories evaluating SS-31 research material, analytical identity, purity, lot documentation, molecular characteristics, and appropriate research-use labeling are important considerations.
This guide examines the science and terminology surrounding SS-31 elamipretide while keeping laboratory research separate from pharmaceutical use.
What Is SS-31 Elamipretide?
SS-31 is a short synthetic peptide belonging to the Szeto-Schiller peptide family.
Researchers may encounter the compound under several names:
- SS-31
- SS31
- SS-31 peptide
- Elamipretide
- MTP-131
- Bendavia
- RX-31
These names are important for literature searches because scientific publications, databases, clinical records, and research suppliers may use different identifiers.
PubChem lists elamipretide as the primary compound name and identifies MTP-131 and Bendavia among its synonyms.
The peptide is particularly notable for its relationship with mitochondrial membranes and cardiolipin.
Rather than being studied simply as a conventional peptide ligand, SS-31 has been investigated for its ability to associate with the mitochondrial inner membrane and interact with cardiolipin.
This characteristic has made it a useful research subject in mitochondrial biochemistry.
SS-31 Elamipretide and Mitochondrial Research
Mitochondria play central roles in cellular energy metabolism.
he mitochondrial inner membrane contains Tthe electron-transport-chain complexes and ATP synthase machinery involved in oxidative phosphorylation. The membrane also contains specialized lipids, including cardiolipin, that contribute to mitochondrial organization.
SS-31 elamipretide has been investigated in experimental systems examining the relationship between mitochondrial membrane composition and mitochondrial function.
Research areas associated with SS-31 include:
- Mitochondrial membrane biology
- Cardiolipin research
- Mitochondrial bioenergetics
- Oxidative phosphorylation
- Membrane biophysics
- Cellular energy metabolism
- Oxidative-stress models
- Mitochondrial morphology
- Peptide-membrane interactions
These areas make SS-31 particularly relevant to researchers studying how peptide molecules interact with specialized cellular membranes.
SS-31 and Cardiolipin
One of the defining characteristics of SS-31 research is its relationship with cardiolipin.
Cardiolipin is an unusual phospholipid enriched in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It participates in the organization of mitochondrial membranes and interacts with proteins associated with mitochondrial energy metabolism.
PubChem describes elamipretide as a mitochondrial cardiolipin binder and a synthetic tetrapeptide that selectively binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
This relationship has encouraged research into several questions:
- How does SS-31 interact with cardiolipin?
- How does membrane composition affect peptide association?
- How does peptide-membrane interaction influence membrane organization?
- What role does cardiolipin play in mitochondrial architecture?
- How can mitochondrial membrane behavior be studied experimentally?
The SS-31/cardiolipin relationship therefore provides an important bridge between peptide chemistry and mitochondrial membrane science.
SS-31 Elamipretide Molecular Characteristics
Accurate molecular identification is important when working with synthetic research peptides.
According to PubChem, the principal molecular characteristics of elamipretide include:
| Property | SS-31 / Elamipretide |
|---|---|
| Common name | Elamipretide |
| Research designation | SS-31 |
| Alternative designation | MTP-131 |
| Sequence | RXKF |
| Detailed sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂ |
| Molecular formula | C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅ |
| Molecular weight | 639.8 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 11764719 |
| CAS | 736992-21-5 |
PubChem provides the sequence, formula, molecular weight, and systematic chemical description.
Researchers should be aware that the molecular weight of the free-base compound should not automatically be assumed to represent every salt or formulation.
For example, pharmaceutical elamipretide may be presented in a salt form. Analytical records should therefore specify exactly which chemical form was measured.
SS-31 Peptide Sequence
The SS-31 sequence is commonly represented as:
RXKF
The detailed structure is:
D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
where Dmt represents 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosine.
PubChem identifies the peptide sequence as RXKF and provides the corresponding systematic structure.
Sequence information is valuable when researchers are:
- Comparing peptide identity
- Reviewing mass-spectrometry results
- Evaluating synthetic peptide specifications
- Comparing research references
- Investigating structure-function relationships
- Reviewing analytical certificates
For accurate laboratory work, sequence information should be evaluated alongside the stated chemical form and analytical data.
SS-31 Elamipretide Research Applications
The scientific literature surrounding SS-31 covers several areas of experimental research.
1. Mitochondrial Bioenergetics
Researchers can investigate mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, oxidative phosphorylation, and cellular energy metabolism.
SS-31 has therefore become a frequently discussed compound in experimental mitochondrial research.
2. Cardiolipin Research
Because of its association with cardiolipin, SS-31 provides a research model for examining peptide-lipid interactions.
This can be relevant to membrane biophysics and mitochondrial membrane studies.
3. Oxidative-Stress Research
Experimental research has examined relationships between mitochondrial function and oxidative stress.
SS-31 has consequently appeared in experimental models exploring mitochondrial responses to oxidative conditions.
4. Cellular Research
Cell-based models can be used to investigate mitochondrial structure, membrane behavior, cellular metabolism, and other biochemical endpoints.
5. Preclinical Research
Elamipretide has also been studied in animal models and other preclinical systems.
However, results obtained in cell or animal experiments should not automatically be interpreted as equivalent effects in humans.
SS-31 Elamipretide and Mitochondrial Membranes
The mitochondrial inner membrane is highly specialized.
It contains electron-transport proteins, ATP synthase, phospholipids, and other molecular structures required for mitochondrial function.
Cardiolipin is particularly important because of its unusual four-acyl-chain structure and enrichment in mitochondrial membranes.
SS-31 research focuses partly on how the peptide associates with this membrane environment.
This creates a useful experimental model for studying:
Peptide structure → membrane interaction → cardiolipin association → mitochondrial membrane organization → bioenergetic processes
The exact outcome of an experiment depends on the biological system, experimental design, peptide preparation, concentration, membrane composition, and analytical methodology.
For that reason, scientific descriptions should avoid converting experimental observations into universal biological claims.
SS-31 Elamipretide Purity
SS-31 peptide purity is an important quality-control consideration when selecting laboratory research material.
Synthetic peptides can contain related substances resulting from synthesis, purification, degradation, or other manufacturing processes.
Chromatographic methods such as reverse-phase HPLC are commonly used to assess chromatographic purity.
A strong research-quality record can include:
- Product identity
- Lot number
- HPLC or UPLC purity
- Mass-spectrometry identity
- Molecular mass
- Test date
- Analytical laboratory
- Chromatogram
- Applicable specifications
Importantly, chromatographic purity is not necessarily the same measurement as absolute peptide content.
Researchers should therefore examine the actual analytical methodology instead of relying exclusively on a headline purity percentage.
SS-31 HPLC Testing
HPLC testing can provide chromatographic information about an SS-31 research sample.
A typical analytical record may identify:
- Chromatographic column
- Mobile phase
- Flow rate
- Detection wavelength
- Injection volume
- Retention time
- Main-peak area
- Related peaks
- Calculated purity
A lot-specific chromatogram allows researchers to see how the reported purity value was generated.
Current research-material COAs demonstrate that suppliers may report SS-31 purity using reverse-phase HPLC and supplement identity testing with mass spectrometry.
The actual quality of any particular batch should be evaluated from that batch’s documentation rather than from a generic statement about a product line.
SS-31 Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry provides another analytical approach for investigating peptide identity.
Because SS-31 has a defined molecular composition, researchers can compare experimentally observed mass-to-charge signals with expected molecular characteristics.
PubChem reports a molecular weight of approximately 639.8 g/mol for elamipretide.
When reviewing LC-MS or MS results, researchers should consider:
- Molecular form
- Charge state
- Ionization conditions
- Adduct formation
- Instrument calibration
- Sample preparation
- Matrix effects
An observed m/z value should therefore be interpreted together with the analytical method and expected ionic species.
SS-31 COA: What Should Researchers Look For?
A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, can provide important lot-specific information.
For SS-31 elamipretide, a useful COA may include:
Product information
- Product name
- Lot number
- Catalog number
- Quantity
- Test date
Identity information
- Molecular formula
- Molecular weight
- Sequence
- Mass-spectrometry result
Purity information
- HPLC or UPLC purity
- Chromatogram
- Related substances where applicable
Quality information
- Appearance
- Storage information
- Testing laboratory
- Specification and result
The most important principle is traceability.
The certificate should correspond to the exact batch being used.
Recent third-party research-product examples illustrate why lot-specific documentation matters: COAs can report individual batch purity, molecular information, analytical methods, and identity results rather than treating one certificate as universally representative of every lot.
SS-31 Elamipretide 10mg Research Material
The term SS-31 10mg generally identifies a nominal quantity of SS-31 research material.
Researchers should distinguish quantity from quality.
A 10mg label does not, by itself, establish:
- Purity
- Molecular identity
- Water content
- Residual solvent levels
- Counterion composition
- Stability
- Sterility
- Endotoxin status
These characteristics require separate analytical measurements where relevant.
For SEO and product-page accuracy, “SS-31 10mg” should therefore be used as a product-quantity term, while SS-31 purity, SS-31 HPLC, SS-31 COA, and SS-31 mass spectrometry should be handled as separate analytical concepts.
SS-31 Elamipretide vs. Pharmaceutical Elamipretide
An important distinction should be maintained between a research peptide and an FDA-approved pharmaceutical product.
On September 19, 2025, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Forzinity (elamipretide) to improve muscle strength in adults and children with Barth syndrome weighing at least 30 kg.
The FDA identifies Forzinity as a mitochondrial cardiolipin binder.
This regulatory approval does not mean that every product labeled SS-31 or elamipretide is an FDA-approved drug product.
For a research-product website, the distinction is essential:
Research SS-31 material ≠ Forzinity pharmaceutical product
A laboratory research product should not be presented as an alternative to an approved pharmaceutical product or as an approved treatment.
SS-31 Research and Scientific Literature
The growing body of research surrounding elamipretide includes experimental mitochondrial studies as well as clinical-development research.
PubChem summarizes elamipretide as a mitochondrial cardiolipin binder and identifies it as a synthetic tetrapeptide associated with mitochondrial research.
The compound has also progressed into regulated pharmaceutical development.
A 2026 review of its first approval describes elamipretide as a mitochondrial cardiolipin binder and notes its accelerated U.S. approval in September 2025 for Barth syndrome patients meeting the labeled weight criterion.
For researchers, this history makes SS-31 particularly interesting because the same underlying compound appears across different contexts:
- Peptide chemistry
- Mitochondrial research
- Preclinical research
- Clinical development
- Pharmaceutical regulation
These contexts should remain clearly separated when describing the compound online.
Research-Use-Only Positioning
A research-grade SS-31 peptide page should clearly state its intended purpose.
Research Use Only.
The material is intended for qualified laboratory research and analytical applications.
It should not be marketed as:
- A dietary supplement
- A cosmetic ingredient
- A treatment
- A diagnostic product
- A replacement for an approved pharmaceutical
- A product for self-administration
This distinction is particularly important now that elamipretide has an FDA-approved pharmaceutical product under the Forzinity brand for a specific indication.
The identity of a research compound does not automatically establish the regulatory status of every formulation carrying that compound name.
SS-31 Storage and Laboratory Documentation
Research laboratories should follow the storage and handling instructions supplied with their specific material.
Peptide stability can depend on factors including:
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Light
- Container closure
- Formulation
- Chemical form
- Repeated handling
- Reconstitution or preparation procedures
Laboratories should maintain documentation covering:
- Product name
- Lot number
- Receipt date
- COA
- Storage conditions
- Experimental use
- Relevant analytical records
Good documentation helps researchers identify potential differences between experimental batches.
Choosing an SS-31 Elamipretide Research Material
When evaluating an SS-31 product for laboratory research, researchers can use a straightforward quality checklist.
Identity
Is the compound clearly identified as SS-31/elamipretide?
Molecular information
Are the sequence, molecular formula, molecular weight, and chemical form documented?
Purity
Is the reported purity supported by an analytical method?
HPLC
Is a chromatographic purity result or chromatogram available?
Mass spectrometry
Is molecular identity supported by MS or LC-MS where appropriate?
COA
Does the COA correspond to the exact lot?
Traceability
Can the product, lot, certificate, and analytical result be connected?
Research-use labeling
Is the material clearly identified for laboratory research rather than represented as a pharmaceutical treatment?
These criteria provide a more useful basis for evaluating research material than a single marketing claim.
SS-31 Elamipretide: SEO and Research Summary
SS-31 elamipretide represents an important search topic at the intersection of synthetic peptide chemistry and mitochondrial research.
Its commonly recognized names include:
- SS-31
- SS-31 peptide
- Elamipretide
- MTP-131
- Bendavia
Its research relevance centers heavily on mitochondrial membranes and cardiolipin.
For researchers and scientific readers, useful analytical terms include:
SS-31 purity, SS-31 HPLC, SS-31 COA, SS-31 molecular weight, SS-31 peptide sequence, SS-31 mass spectrometry, and SS-31 analytical testing.
These terms also create a strong semantic SEO cluster for a research-product page without excessive repetition of the primary keyword.
Frequently Asked Questions About SS-31 Elamipretide
What is SS-31 elamipretide?
SS-31 elamipretide is a synthetic tetrapeptide associated with mitochondrial research and cardiolipin binding. SS-31, elamipretide, and MTP-131 are commonly used names for the compound.
Is SS-31 the same as elamipretide?
Yes. SS-31 is a commonly used designation for elamipretide. PubChem lists elamipretide and MTP-131 among the compound’s synonyms.
What is the SS-31 sequence?
The sequence is commonly represented as RXKF. The detailed structural description is D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂.
What is the molecular weight of SS-31?
PubChem lists the molecular weight of the parent elamipretide compound as approximately 639.8 g/mol.
What is SS-31 used for in research?
SS-31 has been investigated in mitochondrial membrane research, cardiolipin biology, mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative-stress research, cellular studies, and preclinical models.
What is cardiolipin?
Cardiolipin is a specialized phospholipid concentrated in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Its interaction with SS-31 is a major subject of research involving elamipretide.
What is SS-31 HPLC testing?
HPLC is a chromatographic analytical technique that can be used to assess the chromatographic purity of synthetic SS-31 peptide material.
What is an SS-31 COA?
An SS-31 COA is a Certificate of Analysis containing lot-specific analytical and quality information for a particular batch of research material.
Why is mass spectrometry useful for SS-31?
Mass spectrometry can provide molecular-identity information by comparing observed mass-to-charge signals with the expected characteristics of the peptide.
Is SS-31 FDA approved?
Elamipretide is the active ingredient in Forzinity, which received accelerated FDA approval on September 19, 2025 for improving muscle strength in adults and children with Barth syndrome weighing at least 30 kg.
This does not mean that every SS-31 research material or formulation is an FDA-approved pharmaceutical.
Is SS-31 10mg the same as Forzinity?
A research product labeled SS-31 10mg should not automatically be equated with the FDA-approved Forzinity pharmaceutical product. Regulatory status depends on the specific product and its labeling.
What should an SS-31 research COA contain?
A useful COA can include product and lot identification, HPLC/UPLC purity, molecular information, identity testing, testing dates, and analytical-laboratory information.
Conclusion
SS-31 elamipretide is a scientifically important synthetic tetrapeptide with a substantial research history in mitochondrial biology.
Its interaction with cardiolipin and mitochondrial membranes makes it particularly relevant to research involving:
- Mitochondrial membrane biology
- Cardiolipin
- Mitochondrial bioenergetics
- Peptide-membrane interactions
- Oxidative-stress research
- Cellular metabolism
- Analytical peptide chemistry
For laboratories evaluating SS-31 research material, quality documentation should extend beyond a product name or stated quantity. Lot-specific HPLC data, molecular-identity testing, COA documentation, molecular specifications, and traceability can all contribute to more reproducible research.
At the same time, SS-31/elamipretide now has an important U.S. regulatory distinction: the FDA granted accelerated approval to Forzinity (elamipretide) in September 2025 for a specific Barth syndrome indication.
Research material and approved pharmaceutical products should therefore be clearly differentiated in scientific content and commercial labeling.
Research Use Only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.