Longevity · Mitochondrial Protective

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Category: Longevity Last updated 2026-06-19

SS-31 (Elamipretide) at a glance

SS-31 (also called Elamipretide or Bendavia) is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that stabilizes cardiolipin and supports electron-transport-chain efficiency. In late-stage clinical trials for several mitochondrial diseases. Mechanism: Mitochondrial-targeted tetrapeptide. Typical route: Subcutaneous. FDA status: Investigational. SS-31 has completed Phase 3 trials for primary mitochondrial myopathy (results mixed) and is studied for Barth syndrome, dry AMD, and heart failure. Not FDA-approved.

Drug classMitochondrial-targeted tetrapeptide

Half-life~5 hours

RouteSubcutaneous

Trial dose40 mg daily

FDA statusInvestigational

Available throughLimited compounding

Mechanism of action

SS-31 selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, binding cardiolipin and preserving the integrity of the electron transport chain. This reduces reactive oxygen species production, supports ATP synthesis, and protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Dosing reference

Subcutaneous: 40 mg daily (most common clinical-trial dose). Some longevity protocols use lower doses (5-20 mg) several times per week. Cycle length varies.

Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients must not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.

FDA status & regulatory framework

Investigational. SS-31 has completed Phase 3 trials for primary mitochondrial myopathy (results mixed) and is studied for Barth syndrome, dry AMD, and heart failure. Not FDA-approved.

U.S. telehealth providers that work with SS-31 (Elamipretide)

#1 of 4

Defy Medical

88/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $160/mo. Defy Medical is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates SS-31 (Elamipretide).

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#2 of 4

Marek Health

85/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $180/mo. Marek Health is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates SS-31 (Elamipretide).

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#3 of 4

BreezeMeds

68/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $199/mo. BreezeMeds is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates SS-31 (Elamipretide).

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#4 of 4

Hone Health

80/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $149/mo. Hone Health is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates SS-31 (Elamipretide).

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Frequently asked questions about SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Is SS-31 the same as Elamipretide?

Yes. SS-31, Elamipretide, and Bendavia are the same molecule. The 'Elamipretide' name is used by Stealth BioTherapeutics in clinical development.

What conditions has SS-31 been trialed for?

Phase 2/3 trials have covered primary mitochondrial myopathy, Barth syndrome, dry age-related macular degeneration, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Results have been mixed across indications.

Lead Medical Researcher

Dr. Sam Saberian

Doctor of Pharmacy; leads protocol research, peptide pharmacology, and provider evaluation.

Medical Reviewer

Alen A. Schwartz, MD

Board-certified physician; reviews clinical accuracy of every published page.

Edited by

Julliana Edwards

Editorial standards, factual accuracy, and corrections workflow.

Clinical evidence and access data

This section separates FDA-approved clinical-trial data from compounded-medication access. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have strong trial evidence in studied FDA-approved product contexts, while compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved and require separate safety, prescribing, and pharmacy checks. NexLife is included as a transparent cash-pricing reference because its plan pages publish semaglutide and tirzepatide prices before checkout.

Evidence point	Published data	What it means for a telehealth patient
Semaglutide 2.4 mg, STEP 1	Mean body-weight change of -14.9% at week 68 versus -2.4% with placebo.	Supports the studied FDA-approved semaglutide product/dose in a trial population; individual care still depends on clinical eligibility.
Tirzepatide, SURMOUNT-1	Mean reductions of -15.0%, -19.5%, and -20.9% at week 72 for 5, 10, and 15 mg versus -3.1% placebo.	Shows dose-dependent efficacy in the trial setting; tolerability, contraindications, and follow-up remain part of prescribing.
Compounded GLP-1 status	FDA states compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.	Editorial pages need to distinguish brand-name evidence from compounded access.
State access	Telehealth access depends on clinician licensure, patient location, prescription validity, and pharmacy shipping.	Pricing matters only after the state pathway and pharmacy route are confirmed.

Trial outcome chart

Semaglutide 2.4 mg-14.9%

Tirzepatide 15 mg-20.9%

Semaglutide placebo-2.4%

Tirzepatide placebo-3.1%

Sources

Compare NexLife GLP-1 pricing

Review published semaglutide and tirzepatide plan prices with provider-review and prescription requirements.

Check NexLife pricing