For research and educational purposes only. PepTalk discusses what researchers study in laboratory settings — not medical advice. Products are sold for laboratory research use only.
Research Peptide
SS-31
A mitochondrial-targeted peptide studied for its protective effects on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Researched for its role in cellular energy production, oxidative stress, and age-related decline in mitochondrial function.
For research and educational purposes only. PepTalk discusses what researchers study in laboratory settings — not medical advice. Products are sold for laboratory research use only.
The short version
SS-31 is a tiny four-amino-acid peptide with an unusual trick: it crosses into the mitochondria — the cell's power plants — which most peptides can't do. Once inside, it binds a specialized lipid called cardiolipin that the cell relies on to make energy. Researchers study it for stabilizing that machinery when oxidative stress or mitochondrial damage threatens to shut energy production down.
What researchers are looking at
Nearly all of a cell's usable energy is produced inside the mitochondria, along a series of steps called the electron transport chain. That chain sits on the inner mitochondrial membrane, and it depends on a specialized lipid called cardiolipin to hold its components in the right arrangement. When cardiolipin is damaged — often by oxidative stress — energy production starts to fall apart.
SS-31 is built to target exactly that spot. It carries a positive charge, so it accumulates in the inner membrane and binds cardiolipin directly, helping keep it stable and supporting the electron transport chain. At the same time, it's studied for scavenging the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that mitochondria generate — the same molecules that do the cardiolipin damage in the first place.
Because the inner mitochondrial membrane is so hard for most compounds to reach, this membrane-targeting behavior is what keeps SS-31 under scientific attention. Researchers look at it across models of cellular energy, cardiolipin biology, oxidative stress, and age-related decline in mitochondrial function — though much of this work is in laboratory and animal models, best read as what researchers observe rather than proven human outcomes.
Reaches the mitochondria
Positively charged, SS-31 accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane — a target most peptides can't reach.
Stabilizes cardiolipin
It binds cardiolipin, the lipid the electron transport chain needs to keep producing cellular energy.
Scavenges reactive oxygen
It mops up the reactive oxygen species mitochondria generate, the same molecules that damage cardiolipin.
Where the evidence stands
an honest mapWell-characterized in cell and animal models
Clinical trials reported as elamipretide
From the lab toward the clinic
SS-31 — studied clinically under the name elamipretide — has advanced into published human trials in mitochondrial and cardiac research, putting it among the compounds on this page with genuine clinical literature behind it, even as the overall picture remains an active area of study.
At a glance
What it is
A mitochondria-targeted peptide
4 amino acids
Studied for
Cellular energy
cardiolipin & oxidative stress
How it works
Targets the inner membrane
binds cardiolipin, scavenges ROS
Research stage
In human trials
studied as elamipretide
How it arrives
Lyophilized powder
Ships freeze-dried for stability and shelf life — store at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Before research use, it's reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
Bacteriostatic water
Needed to reconstitute
Certificate of analysis
Common questions
All products on FastPeps are labeled Research Use Only (RUO), and this is a legal requirement, not just fine print. It means these compounds are sold strictly for scientific research and laboratory purposes, not for personal use, self-administration, or medical treatment. This label exists because these compounds have not completed the FDA approval process to be sold as drugs or supplements. When you purchase from FastPeps, you are agreeing the product is for research purposes only.
For laboratory and research use only. Sold exclusively for in-vitro research and laboratory experimentation. Not a drug, supplement, or article intended for human or veterinary use; nothing here is medical advice or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Statements describe findings from published research.
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