A mitochondria-targeted peptide with a genuine clinical programme in rare mitochondrial disease. Phase 3 results have been mixed, but it is far better studied than most longevity peptides.
The inner membrane of mitochondria contains a lipid called cardiolipin that organises the machinery of energy production into working assemblies. When cardiolipin is damaged, that organisation falls apart and the mitochondria leak reactive oxygen rather than making energy efficiently. SS-31 concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, stabilising the arrangement. It is one of the few compounds in this category to have gone through a real phase 3 programme.
Elamipretide, D-Arg-2,6-dimethyltyrosine-Lys-Phe-NH2, an aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane independently of membrane potential and binds cardiolipin. Stabilises cristae architecture, promotes supercomplex assembly of the electron transport chain, improves oxidative phosphorylation efficiency and reduces cytochrome c peroxidase activity and ROS production. Clinical programmes have covered primary mitochondrial myopathy, Barth syndrome, dry age-related macular degeneration and heart failure. Phase 3 MMPOWER-3 in primary mitochondrial myopathy did not meet its primary endpoints; the Barth syndrome programme produced more favourable results and has been the focus of subsequent regulatory activity.
Research areas
Community-specified data
Source note: Stack with MOTS-C. Run concurrently
Source note: Stack with MOTS-C. Run concurrently
Not medical guidance. These third-party figures have not been independently verified, clinically reviewed, or endorsed by DB Peptide. They may be inaccurate or unsafe and should not replace product labelling or advice from a qualified clinician.
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| 40 mg subcutaneously once daily for 24 weeks in primary mitochondrial myopathyDid not meet the co-primary endpoints of six-minute walk distance and symptom score. | MMPOWER-3, Neurology 2022 |
| 40 mg subcutaneously daily in Barth syndrome with open-label extension over years | TAZPOWER and extension |
Multiple phase 2 and phase 3 trials completed. MMPOWER-3 missed its primary endpoints; Barth syndrome data has been more favourable.
Because the grade reflects the strength of the evidence base, not whether the results were positive. SS-31 has been through multiple properly conducted randomised human trials with published outcomes — that is far more than almost anything else in this category, even though the headline mitochondrial myopathy result was negative.
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
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