SS-31

Scientific identity. SS-31 is the established research designation for the synthetic tetrapeptide Elamipretide. The peptide is constructed from four residues — D-arginine, 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt), lysine, and phenylalanine — with a C-terminal amide (NH₂) rather than a free carboxyl group. The inclusion of Dmt, a non-natural aromatic amino acid, and the D-configured N-terminal arginine distinguish SS-31 structurally from endogenous peptides and are considered relevant to its proposed affinity for the inner mitochondrial membrane. The C-terminal amide increases resistance to carboxypeptidase degradation relative to a free-acid terminus.

Peptide class. Synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide; member of the Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptide family. Mitochondria-targeted peptide (MTP). The SS peptide family shares a general structural motif of alternating aromatic and cationic residues designed to concentrate within the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Product quantities: 10mg and 50mg per vial.

Purity: Greater than 99%, confirmed by HPLC and LC-MS analysis at the batch level.

Analytical documentation: A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is available on the Longevia Research website. Documentation covers compound identity, purity, and lot traceability.

Research-use classification: For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, clinical diagnostics, or any in-vivo application in humans.

The Cardiolipin Interaction

Cardiolipin is a structurally unique phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it plays a central role in maintaining cristae architecture, anchoring electron transport chain complexes, and supporting efficient oxidative phosphorylation. Research has proposed that SS-31 selectively associates with cardiolipin through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, positioning it within the inner membrane in proximity to the electron transport chain.

Published biochemical studies have characterized this cardiolipin-binding interaction and proposed that it may stabilize electron transport chain supercomplex organization — particularly cytochrome c association with Complex III/IV — potentially influencing electron transfer efficiency and ROS generation in experimental systems. These are mechanistic hypotheses characterized in defined experimental models.

Oxidative Stress and ROS Research

A significant body of preclinical research has examined SS-31 in cell-based and animal models involving oxidative stress. Studies have investigated whether SS-31's proposed mitochondrial membrane localization influences mitochondrial ROS production — specifically superoxide generated at the electron transport chain — in experimental conditions including ischemia-reperfusion, chemical oxidative challenge, and mitochondrial dysfunction models. Findings vary by model, cell type, and experimental condition.

Ischemia-Reperfusion Research

SS-31 has been extensively studied in preclinical ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury models, particularly cardiac and renal models in rodents. Animal studies have examined endpoints including infarct size, mitochondrial morphology, ATP production, and organ function parameters following experimental I/R challenge. These findings are model-specific and cannot be extrapolated to human therapeutic outcomes.

Human Research

SS-31 (Elamipretide) has progressed into human clinical investigation to a greater extent than most research peptides. Clinical trials have examined Elamipretide in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), Barth syndrome (a mitochondrial cardiomyopathy linked to cardiolipin metabolism), and primary mitochondrial myopathy. These clinical investigations concern pharmaceutical-grade Elamipretide under regulated trial conditions and do not establish the safety, efficacy, or equivalence of the Longevia Research SS-31 vial formulation.

Aging and Mitochondrial Biology Research

SS-31 has been examined in aged animal models investigating mitochondrial structure and function in skeletal muscle, cardiac tissue, and kidney. Research has assessed mitochondrial morphology, cristae integrity, and bioenergetic parameters in aged rodent tissues following experimental SS-31 administration. These are preclinical findings in defined animal systems.

Reliable research begins with accurately characterised material. For a peptide such as SS-31, that means confirming identity, sequence integrity, and purity at the batch level — because sequence errors or co-eluting impurities can confound cell-based assays, receptor binding studies, and signaling experiments.

Purity assessment: Each production lot is characterised to greater than 99% purity by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Chromatographic purity data is reported on the batch Certificate of Analysis.

Identity confirmation: Peptide identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry (LC-MS), providing molecular-weight verification consistent with the specified sequence and molecular formula. HPLC and LC-MS data together confirm that the material supplied corresponds to the labelled compound at the labelled purity.

Batch traceability and Certificate of Analysis: Every vial of SS-31 available in 10 mg and 50mg is traceable to a specific production lot. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is accessible directly on the Longevia Research website, covering purity, identity, and lot information. Researchers evaluating this material for assay work are encouraged to review the current batch documentation before use, since analytical specifications are applied at the lot level.

Handling: This material should be handled by qualified personnel using appropriate laboratory technique and personal protective equipment, consistent with institutional protocols for research-grade peptides.

Longevia Research supplies SS-31 in 10mg and 50mg for laboratory and in-vitro research use only. The product is intended for use by qualified researchers and trained laboratory personnel in appropriate controlled research environments.

SS-31 is a synthetic research peptide supplied strictly as a research tool. It is not a drug, not a dietary supplement, not a food or food ingredient, and not a cosmetic. No regulatory authority has approved this compound for human or veterinary therapeutic use, and Longevia does not supply it for administration to humans or animals, for clinical diagnostics, or for any therapeutic purpose.

Longevia provides no dosing instructions, administration guidance, treatment protocols, or reconstitution recommendations for this compound. The scientific literature summarised on this product page describes experimental observations in defined cell-based, tissue, and animal model systems. Those findings are not medical claims and should not be interpreted as evidence of human efficacy, human safety, or fitness for any clinical application.

The purchaser assumes full responsibility for lawful acquisition, handling, storage, use, and disposal of this material, and for compliance with all applicable local, state, federal, and institutional regulations. By purchasing this product, the buyer confirms that it will be used solely for legitimate laboratory research purposes by qualified personnel, and that its acquisition and intended use comply with applicable laws in the buyer's jurisdiction.