SS-31 (Elamipretide)

What is SS-31 (Elamipretide)?

SS-31, now known clinically as elamipretide and marketed as Forzinity for Barth syndrome, is a mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide designed to bind cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin helps organize mitochondrial cristae, the folds where electron transport chain complexes sit and ATP is produced. Birk 2013 showed SS-31 interacting with cardiolipin in ischemic mitochondria, while Szeto 2014 framed the compound as the lead cardiolipin-protective peptide in the Szeto-Schiller class.

From the BioHarmony report, reviewed 2026-09-08.

How it is thought to work

Binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, supports cristae architecture and electron transport chain supercomplex organization, and reduces mitochondrial ROS leak.

Safety watch-outs

• Injection-site infection
• New severe weakness or muscle pain

Full risk profile in the BioHarmony report.

Dosing as published

No approved-label or study protocol is recorded for SS-31 (Elamipretide) yet.

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