SS-31 Peptide: Mitochondrial Optimization for Longevity, Energy, and Cellular Repair
Introduction
Mitochondrial dysfunction is at the heart of aging, fatigue, and many chronic diseases. Whether you're struggling with low energy, neurodegeneration, heart disease, or just want to support healthy aging, repairing your mitochondria may be the key to turning things around.
Enter SS-31, a cutting-edge mitochondria-targeted peptide that is gaining attention in anti-aging and longevity research. Known for its ability to restore mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and improve energy production, SS-31 has shown remarkable promise in animal and human studies.
At Revolution Health & Wellness, we offer physician-guided access to SS-31 peptide injections, compounded to clinical standards and supervised for optimal safety and effectiveness.
Disclaimer: SS-31 is not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use and is offered for research purposes only. All protocols listed below are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
What Is SS-31?
SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide) is a synthetic peptide originally developed by researchers studying mitochondrial dysfunction in degenerative diseases. It is a tetrapeptide composed of D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2, and it has a unique ability to target the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it binds to a key phospholipid called cardiolipin.
What makes SS-31 different from other peptides is its cell-penetrating and mitochondria-selective action. Once inside the mitochondria, it directly stabilizes cardiolipin, which is essential for maintaining mitochondrial structure, energy production, and resistance to oxidative damage.
How SS-31 Works: Mechanism of Action
The primary mechanism of SS-31 is its interaction with cardiolipin, a unique phospholipid found exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin is critical for:
-
Mitochondrial respiration and ATP production
-
Maintaining the shape and integrity of mitochondria
-
Anchoring respiratory complexes of the electron transport chain
As we age or experience oxidative stress, cardiolipin becomes damaged or oxidized, leading to:
-
Mitochondrial membrane leakage
-
Reduced ATP production
-
Increased ROS (reactive oxygen species)
-
Cell death or dysfunction
SS-31 works by:
-
Binding to cardiolipin to preserve mitochondrial structure
-
Preventing peroxidation of cardiolipin
-
Enhancing efficiency of the electron transport chain
-
Improving ATP synthesis
-
Reducing production of ROS
In short, SS-31 restores mitochondrial efficiency while protecting cells from oxidative stress and premature death.
SS-31 Benefits: What the Research Shows
Clinical and preclinical studies on SS-31 suggest a broad range of potential benefits, especially in conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
✅ 1. Increased Energy Production
By improving mitochondrial ATP output, SS-31 can increase physical and mental energy, particularly in those with chronic fatigue, aging-related mitochondrial decline, or degenerative diseases.
✅ 2. Improved Exercise Capacity
Studies in older adults show that SS-31 can restore exercise tolerance and muscle function, improving oxygen utilization and mitochondrial respiration during physical activity.
✅ 3. Neuroprotection and Brain Health
In models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke, SS-31 reduced neuronal loss and improved cognitive function. It also shows promise in reducing brain fog and protecting against neuroinflammation.
✅ 4. Heart Health and Cardioprotection
SS-31 has been studied for its ability to:
-
Reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury
-
Improve cardiac output
-
Prevent mitochondrial-driven heart failure
It has been used in early human trials in patients with Barth syndrome, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.
✅ 5. Anti-Aging and Longevity
By protecting mitochondrial integrity, SS-31 slows telomere shortening, cellular senescence, and DNA damage—hallmarks of aging. It also improves skin elasticity, reduces frailty, and enhances metabolic flexibility.
✅ 6. Retinal and Eye Health
Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in retinal degeneration. SS-31 has been studied in conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye, with positive results.
Conditions That May Benefit from SS-31
While more human data is needed, SS-31 has shown potential in:
-
Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME/CFS
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Mitochondrial myopathies
-
Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
-
Heart failure or cardiomyopathy
-
Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
-
Aging-related frailty
-
Long COVID (hypothesized mechanism)
It is also being explored by biohackers and longevity enthusiasts as a mitochondrial rejuvenation tool.
How to Take SS-31
At our clinic, SS-31 is available in 15mg vials intended for subcutaneous injection. While earlier research used higher daily doses of up to 40mg, we find that 4mg per day offers excellent results while keeping the cost reasonable.
💉 Mixing Instructions
To prepare your peptide vial for use:
-
Add 0.3mL of sterile or bacteriostatic water to your 15mg SS-31 vial
-
This yields a 0.5mg per unit concentration using a standard insulin syringe (1mL = 100 units)
📅 Dosing Protocol
-
Inject 4mg (8 units) SubQ once daily for 20 consecutive days
-
Sites: lower abdomen or outer thigh (rotate injection sites daily)
-
Store in the refrigerator once mixed
-
One 15mg vial will provide 3.75 doses, so you’ll need 6 vials for a full 20-day protocol
⚠️ Note: In some studies, SS-31 has been used safely at doses as high as 40mg daily. However, such a protocol would require multiple vials per day and is cost-prohibitive for most individuals. Our 4mg/day protocol strikes a balance between efficacy and practicality.
Protocol Summary
Step | Instruction |
---|---|
Reconstitution | Add 0.3mL sterile/bacteriostatic water to 15mg vial |
Concentration | 0.5mg per unit |
Dose | 8 units = 4mg SubQ daily |
Duration | 20 consecutive days |
Vials needed | 6 vials for full protocol |
Storage | Refrigerate after mixing |
How SS-31 Compares to Other Peptides
SS-31 is not a growth factor or hormone-mimicking peptide like CJC-1295 or BPC-157. Its value lies in its unique mitochondria-targeting mechanism, giving it a niche but critical role in peptide-based regenerative medicine.
Peptide | Primary Benefit | Target |
---|---|---|
SS-31 | Mitochondrial health, ATP production | Inner mitochondrial membrane |
BPC-157 | Tissue healing, anti-inflammation | Gut, tendons, ligaments |
TB-500 | Cellular repair, actin regulation | Muscle, fascia |
MOTS-c | Metabolic health, insulin sensitivity | Mitochondrial gene expression |
Epitalon | Telomere support, anti-aging | Pineal gland, gene expression |
Safety and Side Effects
SS-31 has demonstrated a strong safety profile in both animals and human studies.
Reported Side Effects (rare):
-
Injection site irritation
-
Temporary fatigue (likely due to cellular detoxification)
-
Mild dizziness
There have been no reports of systemic toxicity or mitochondrial overload. In human trials using IV and SubQ doses up to 40mg/day, SS-31 was well tolerated.
Still, all peptide therapies should be supervised by a trained physician and are not suitable for self-administration from unregulated sources.
Why We Don’t Recommend Online Peptides
Many patients are tempted to purchase SS-31 online from so-called “research chemical” suppliers. This is extremely risky for multiple reasons:
-
No FDA oversight or quality control
-
Risk of incorrect peptide concentration or contamination
-
Improper handling or storage conditions
-
Zero physician guidance or monitoring
At Revolution Health & Wellness, our peptides come from an FDA-monitored medical manufacturer, not a compounding pharmacy or gray-market supplier. Our clinical protocols are supervised by experienced physicians, ensuring you get the highest quality product with the safest administration process.
SS-31 Protocol Use Case: Who Is It For?
Ideal candidates for SS-31 include:
-
Adults over 40 with declining energy
-
Patients with chronic fatigue or post-viral symptoms
-
Athletes looking to recover mitochondrial efficiency
-
Individuals with neurodegenerative disease risks
-
People undergoing longevity or biohacking protocols
It’s also ideal in combination with other therapies, including:
-
Ketogenic diets or fasting protocols
Final Notes and Disclaimers
Peptides are powerful tools, but they are not FDA-approved treatments. The information in this post is for educational purposes only, and SS-31 is offered for research use only under physician supervision.
All protocols should be tailored to individual health goals and medical history.
Summary
SS-31 is one of the most promising developments in mitochondrial medicine. From improving energy and exercise capacity to protecting against age-related degeneration, this mitochondria-targeted peptide offers broad-spectrum cellular support.
-
Targets cardiolipin to enhance mitochondrial function
-
Improves ATP production and reduces oxidative stress
-
Supports neuroprotection, cardiovascular health, and anti-aging
-
Well-tolerated even at higher doses
-
Available in a cost-effective 4mg daily protocol
At Revolution Health & Wellness, our FDA-regulated, physician-supervised peptide therapy ensures that you receive the safest and most effective version of SS-31 available.
Call to Action
Want to optimize your mitochondria, reduce fatigue, and promote healthy aging?
👉 Schedule a consultation today at RevolutionHealth.org to find out if SS-31 peptide therapy is right for you.
Let us help you restore energy at the cellular level—for a stronger, healthier you.
References
-
Szeto HH, et al. (2011). “Mitochondria-targeted peptide SS-31 prevents oxidative damage and neurodegeneration.” Free Radic Biol Med.
-
Daubert MA, et al. (2017). “Elamipretide improves cardiac mitochondrial function in heart failure patients.” Circ Heart Fail.
-
Zhao K, et al. (2005). “SS-31 peptide protects mitochondrial integrity.” J Biol Chem.
-
Campbell MD, et al. (2019). “Improved mitochondrial energetics with SS-31 in aging muscle.” J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: SS-31 / Elamipretide in various mitochondrial and age-related disorders.