SS-31 (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol

Reconstitution and dosing guide for the 10 mg SS-31 (elamipretide) vial — a mitochondria-targeting peptide studied for cellular energy and oxidative protection.

Quickstart Highlights

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates on the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin. Research studies it for stabilizing mitochondrial structure (cristae), improving electron transport and ATP production, and reducing reactive oxygen species. It is investigated for mitochondrial, cardiac, muscular, and age-related conditions, and is administered subcutaneously.

  • Composition: 10 mg SS-31 (elamipretide) per vial
  • Reconstitute: Add 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 10 mg/mL concentration
  • Easy measuring: At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit (0.01 mL) on a U-100 syringe = 100 mcg (so 5 mg = 50 units)
  • Storage: Lyophilized: −20 °C (−4 °F); reconstituted: 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light, use within 2–4 weeks

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Once-daily subcutaneous protocol; doses are in milligrams

Daily Subcutaneous Protocol (10 mg vial, 1.0 mL = 10 mg/mL)

Protocol Daily Dose Units (U-100) mL
Standard5 mg once daily50 units0.50 mL
Lower2.5 mg once daily25 units0.25 mL

Administration: Inject once daily subcutaneously, rotating sites. At 10 mg/mL each milligram equals 10 units (0.10 mL). A 10 mg vial provides roughly 2 days at the 5 mg standard dose.

Reconstitution Steps

  1. Allow the vial to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes out of cold storage).
  2. Draw 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
  3. Inject slowly down the vial wall to avoid foaming.
  4. Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved (do not shake).
  5. Label with date and concentration; refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protected from light.

Result: 10 mg/mL concentration

How This Works

SS-31 selectively associates with cardiolipin, a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane. By protecting cardiolipin and preserving cristae architecture, it supports efficient electron transport and ATP synthesis while limiting the leakage of reactive oxygen species.

Unlike general antioxidants, it acts at the source of mitochondrial energy production, which is why research has focused on tissues with high energy demand such as heart and skeletal muscle.

Key Administration Notes

References

British Journal of Pharmacology (2014)
Szeto HH. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound (SS-31/elamipretide) as a therapeutic agent. View Source
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2017)
Szeto HH, et al. Mitochondria-targeted peptide protects against injury. View Source

⚠️ Research & Educational Purposes Only

This information is provided for research and educational purposes only. The compounds discussed are intended for laboratory research use only and are not approved for human consumption. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical advice. Individual results may vary. This is not medical advice.