SS-31
Purrptide digest
SS-31 (also called elamipretide) has a uniquely clever trick: it specifically targets and concentrates inside mitochondria, binding to cardiolipin in the inner membrane. From there, it directly reduces oxidative stress at the source rather than mopping it up after the fact — prevention instead of cleanup. It's furthest along clinically of the mitochondrial-targeted peptides, with trials in rare mitochondrial disease, heart failure, and eye conditions.
What this means for you
Still primarily a clinical-trial drug for specific diseases, not a general wellness peptide — worth tracking its approval path rather than self-experimenting.
Furthest along in human trials of the mitochondrial-targeted peptides, with applications spanning cardiac, ophthalmic, and rare disease indications.
Cardiolipin-targeted localization inside the mitochondrial inner membrane is precise mechanistic engineering, not a vague antioxidant claim.
Multiple ongoing trials across different disease areas make this one of the more diversified bets in the mitochondrial-peptide space.
For the nerds
Mitochondria-targeted peptide accelerates ATP synthesis in damaged skeletal muscle
American Journal of Physiology · DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00248.2007
Read full paper on PubMed →