SS-31 — Elamipretide (MTP-131 / Bendavia)
Mitochondria-Targeted Tetrapeptide · 50mg Research Vial
Available Formats
| Vial | Lyophilised powder vial offering full flexibility in reconstitution volume and concentration. |
| Cartridge (Reusable Pen) | Pre-filled replacement cartridge compatible with standard reusable research pens. Pen sold separately. |
| Disposable Pen | Fully pre-loaded, self-contained research pen. Ready to use directly from packaging. |
Compound Overview
SS-31 (elamipretide), also known as MTP-131 and Bendavia, is a synthetic Szeto-Schiller (SS) tetrapeptide with the sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, where Dmt is 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine. Its alternating aromatic and cationic residues allow it to cross cell membranes and concentrate at the inner mitochondrial membrane (Zhao et al., 2004).
SS-31 has been studied extensively in preclinical models of mitochondrial dysfunction, including ischaemia-reperfusion injury and age-related decline in skeletal muscle energetics (Szeto, 2014).
Mechanism of Action
Cardiolipin Interaction: SS-31 binds with high affinity to cardiolipin, an anionic phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane that is required for cristae formation. In a renal ischaemia model, the SS-31/cardiolipin complex inhibited cytochrome c peroxidase activity, and pretreatment protected cristae membranes and prevented mitochondrial swelling (Birk et al., 2013).
Mitochondrial Bioenergetics: In aged mice, a single treatment with SS-31 was reported to restore skeletal muscle mitochondrial ATP production and coupling of oxidative phosphorylation towards young levels within one hour, alongside improved fatigue resistance (Siegel et al., 2013).
Published Research
- Zhao K et al. (2004) — Journal of Biological Chemistry, 279(33): 34682-34690. Cell-permeable peptide antioxidants targeted to the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- Birk AV et al. (2013) — Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 24(8): 1250-1261. SS-31 re-energises ischaemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin.
- Siegel MP et al. (2013) — Aging Cell, 12(5): 763-771. Mitochondrial energetics and skeletal muscle performance in aged mice.
- Szeto HH (2014) — British Journal of Pharmacology, 171(8): 2029-2050. Review of cardiolipin-protective compounds and mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Note: Citations are provided for reference purposes only. BioCompounds UK does not make therapeutic claims.
Structural & Chemical Data
| Compound Class | Aromatic-cationic mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide |
| CAS Number | 736992-21-5 |
| Sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 (Dmt = 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine) |
| Molecular Formula | C32H49N9O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 639.8 g/mol |
| Purity | >99% verified by HPLC |
| Quantity | 50mg per unit |
| Solubility | Sterile water / PBS |
| Storage (Dry) | -20 C |
| Storage (Reconstituted) | 2-8 C, use within 4 weeks |
Regulatory & Usage Notice
This product is supplied strictly as a research-grade reference compound for in-vitro laboratory investigation only. It is not approved, intended, or marketed for human or veterinary administration, diagnostic purposes, or therapeutic application. Purchasers must be qualified researchers aged 18+ and agree to handle all compounds in accordance with applicable regulations and good laboratory practice (GLP). BioCompounds UK makes no therapeutic claims regarding this or any compound in its catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SS-31?
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that crosses cell membranes and concentrates at the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is studied as a tool for investigating mitochondrial bioenergetics, cardiolipin biology and oxidative stress in research models.
What is the purity of this peptide?
BioCompounds UK supplies HPLC-verified research-grade material. Selected batches undergo independent third-party analysis by Janoshik Analytical, with current published Certificates of Analysis available on our batch verification page when applicable.
Are SS-31, elamipretide, MTP-131 and Bendavia the same compound?
Yes. SS-31 is the original Szeto-Schiller research code, elamipretide is its International Nonproprietary Name (INN), and MTP-131 and Bendavia are development names used for the same peptide in the published literature.
How does SS-31 reach the mitochondria?
SS-31’s alternating aromatic and positively charged residues allow it to pass through cell membranes and accumulate at the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it associates with cardiolipin. See our SS-31 research guide for more.
How should this peptide be stored?
Storage depends on the format you have chosen:
- 50mg Vial (lyophilised powder): Store at -20°C in a sealed container, away from light and moisture. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C and use within approximately four weeks.
- 3ml Cartridge (for reusable pen): Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C from arrival. Once opened, use within 3 months. Keep away from light.
- Disposable Ready-to-Use Pen: Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C from arrival. Once opened, use within 3 months. Keep away from light.
Full details are in our Peptide Storage Guide.
What formats is this available in?
This product is available in three research formats: a 50mg lyophilised vial, a 3ml cartridge for reusable research pens, and a ready-to-use disposable pen. Vials offer the most flexibility in reconstitution; cartridges and pens are calibrated for our standard equipment.
How fast is UK delivery?
Orders are typically dispatched within 24 hours via Royal Mail Tracked 24. During busier periods dispatch may extend to 48 hours. Free shipping on UK orders over £100. Full details on our Postage Guidance page.
Is this product legal in the UK?
All BioCompounds UK products are sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified researchers aged 18 or over. They are not approved or intended for human or veterinary consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. See our Terms of Purchase for full guidance.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet