SS-31

SS-31 (Elamipretide, also called MTP-131, Bendavia) is a synthetic tetrapeptide D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂ developed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller as a cell-permeable, mitochondria- targeted antioxidant. The alternating cationic-aromatic sequence is essential to its mechanism: the positive charge drives accumulation across the inner mitochondrial membrane, and the aromatic dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) residue is the antioxidant-active centre.

CAS 736992-21-5, molecular formula C₃₂H₄₉N₉O₅, molecular weight 639.80 g/mol. Wikidata QID Q27269822, PubChem CID 11764719, ChEMBL ID CHEMBL4298161.

SS-31 binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, protecting cardiolipin from peroxidative damage and preserving the structure of the electron-transport-chain complexes. Cardiolipin is essential to mitochondrial cristae architecture and to ATP-synthase function; its protection by SS-31 produces downstream improvements in mitochondrial ATP output, reduced reactive-oxygen-species production, and preserved membrane potential under stress conditions.

Investigated in clinical and preclinical models of ischaemia-reperfusion injury (cardiac and renal), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, primary mitochondrial myopathies (notably Barth syndrome), and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction. SS-31 has progressed through phase III clinical development for Barth syndrome.

Supplied as a research-grade reference standard for laboratory use only. Not a licensed medicinal product in the United Kingdom and not approved by the MHRA for human or veterinary administration. Sale is restricted to researchers, institutions and laboratory professionals; the compound must be retained within research premises. End-user compliance with the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (where applicable) and local institutional biosafety policy is the responsibility of the buyer.