SS-31 (10mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Mitochondria-targeted peptide (elamipretide) — FDA-approved (Forzinity) for Barth syndrome only; other uses investigational.
Pre-filled with this protocol’s recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers. Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Full reconstitution guide → · Advanced calculator →Mix & measure SS-31 · 10 mg
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (1 mL = 10 mg/mL)
Reconstitute: Add 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration 10 mg/mL (10,000 mcg/mL).
Typical daily range: 5–10 mg once daily over an 8-week course (well below the ~40 mg/day used in human trials).
Easy measuring: At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.1 mg = 100 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so every milligram equals 10 units (verify: units = mg ÷ 0.1).
Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
Why SS-31 draws research interest
These are the directions researchers and the peptide community most often explore SS-31 for — so you know you’re in the right place. They describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
mitochondrial function
Studied as a cardiolipin-targeting peptide investigated for support of mitochondrial energy production in preclinical research.
longevity & aging
Explored in animal research on age-related mitochondrial decline and cellular senescence; investigational, not approved for aging.
neuroprotection
Investigated in preclinical models of neurodegeneration for its effects on neuronal mitochondria; not an approved neurological therapy.
heart & muscle recovery
Researched in animal studies on cardiac and skeletal-muscle mitochondrial function; FDA-approved (Forzinity) only for Barth syndrome.
Evidence ranges from early laboratory work to clinical trials depending on the use — the sections below cover the actual data and sources.
Quickstart Highlights
SS-31 (elamipretide; also called MTP-131) is a cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cristae to improve ATP output and reduce reactive oxygen species[1][2]. Elamipretide was FDA-approved in September 2025 (brand Forzinity) — but only for Barth syndrome, via accelerated approval on a surrogate endpoint; it is not approved for heart failure, mitochondrial myopathy, neurodegeneration, anti-aging or performance, which remain investigational. This research-grade vial is not the approved Forzinity drug and is presented for research and educational use only.
Add 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → 10 mg/mL (10,000 mcg/mL), a concentrated dilution that keeps doses in a single syringe.
5–10 mg once daily across an 8-week course. This is well below the ~40 mg/day SC dose used in human trials.
At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.1 mg = 100 mcg; 5 mg = 50 units and 10 mg = 100 units on a U-100 syringe.
Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the solution.
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
Frequency: one subcutaneous injection each day at a consistent time. The concentrated 1.0 mL dilution keeps each dose within a single insulin syringe (5 mg = 50 units; 10 mg = 100 units)[3]. These figures are an educational reference schedule and are well below the ~40 mg/day SC dose studied in human trials — not approved human dosing.
Reconstitution Steps
Draw 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
Label with the date and concentration (10 mg/mL), then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light; use within 4 weeks.
The 1.0 mL dilution gives a clean 10 mg/mL, so each milligram is exactly 10 units on a U-100 syringe and standard doses fit in one fill. Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course of once-daily injections with gradual titration.
At 5–10 mg/day, a 10 mg vial lasts about 1–2 days, so plan multiple vials per week.
- 8 weeks (5–10 mg/day): ~42–56 vials
- 4 weeks: ~21–28 vials
- 2 weeks: ~7–14 vials
- Per injection: 1 syringe
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~56 syringes
- 16 weeks (once daily): ~112 syringes
Use 1.0 mL per 10 mg vial for reconstitution.
- 8 weeks (~42–56 vials): ~42–56 mL → 5–6 bottles
- 4 weeks (~21–28 vials): ~21–28 mL → 3 bottles
One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per injection: 2 swabs
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~112 swabs → 1–2 boxes
Protocol Overview
A concise summary of the once-daily regimen, drawn from commonly cited reference protocols.
- ▪Goal: Support mitochondrial function by stabilizing cardiolipin to improve ATP output and lower reactive oxygen species — mechanisms shown preclinically; broad human benefits remain investigational[1][2].
- ▪Schedule: Once-daily subcutaneous injections across an 8-week course (Weeks 1–2 at 5 mg; Weeks 3–8 at 10 mg).
- ▪Dose Range: 5–10 mg per day — well below the ~40 mg/day SC dose used in human trials.
- ▪Reconstitution: 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial gives 10 mg/mL, so 1 unit = 100 mcg.
- ▪Storage: Keep the dry vial frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); once mixed, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the solution.
Dosing Protocol
A suggested daily titration approach based on common reference doses.
- ▪Start: Begin at 5 mg (50 units) once daily for Weeks 1–2 to gauge tolerability.
- ▪Titrate: Increase to 10 mg (100 units) once daily from Week 3 if well tolerated.
- ▪Target: Maintain 10 mg daily through Week 8.
- ▪Cycle Length: An 8-week course as outlined in the dosing table above.
- ▪Timing: Inject at a consistent time each day and rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
- ▪Lyophilized: Hold the dry vial at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions and limit moisture exposure[7].
- ▪Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days; do not freeze the mixed solution, as freezing can denature peptides[8].
- ▪Handling: Let frozen vials warm to room temperature before opening so condensation won’t form, and keep the solution clear of heat and direct light.
- ▪Freeze–thaw: Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of the reconstituted solution.
Important Notes
Practical points that keep daily administration safe and consistent.
- ▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward.
- ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen, thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Slow injection: Push the plunger slowly and pause a few seconds before withdrawing the needle to prevent backflow.
- ▪Recordkeeping: Log the daily dose, injection site and any observations to keep the protocol consistent.
- ▪Regulatory note: Elamipretide is FDA-approved (Forzinity) only for Barth syndrome via accelerated approval; this research-grade SS-31 vial is not that approved drug and is not FDA-approved for any other use[3].
How This Works
SS-31 (elamipretide; research code MTP-131) is a cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. Unlike most peptides it concentrates inside mitochondria, where it binds cardiolipin — a signature phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane[1][2].
By stabilizing cardiolipin and the curvature of the cristae, SS-31 helps preserve electron-transport-chain organization. The proposed result is more efficient ATP synthesis and lower production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting cells from oxidative and energetic stress[2].
Approval status (read carefully): elamipretide received FDA accelerated approval in September 2025 under the brand Forzinity — but only for Barth syndrome (to improve muscle strength in patients weighing ≥30 kg), on a surrogate endpoint, with a confirmatory trial potentially required[3].
It is NOT approved for heart failure, mitochondrial myopathy, neurodegeneration, eye disease, anti-aging, fat loss or athletic performance. Several key late-stage trials failed their primary endpoints — including MMPOWER-3 in mitochondrial myopathy[4] and PROGRESS-HF in heart failure[5]. Those uses remain investigational.
The research-grade “SS-31” vial described here is not the approved Forzinity drug. Note also that the 5–10 mg/day on this page is well below the ~40 mg/day subcutaneous dose used in human trials. Treat any broad benefits as preliminary and under investigation, never established.
Lifestyle Factors
Habits that may support mitochondrial and metabolic health alongside the protocol.
- ▪Nutrition: Eat a nutrient-dense diet; antioxidant-rich foods and adequate protein support overall mitochondrial and metabolic health.
- ▪Activity & rest: Regular aerobic and resistance exercise is one of the strongest stimuli for mitochondrial biogenesis; balance it with genuine recovery.
- ▪Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours; sleep supports cellular repair and metabolic regulation.
- ▪Stress: Manage stress with evidence-based practices, since chronic stress raises oxidative load on cells.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
What preclinical research and early trials describe; outside Barth syndrome, human efficacy is unproven and individual results vary.
Potential Benefits
- ▪Mitochondrial function (preclinical): Models report improved ATP production and reduced ROS via cardiolipin stabilization[1][2].
- ▪Barth syndrome (approved): Improved muscle strength supported FDA accelerated approval (Forzinity) in this single rare indication[3].
- ▪Tolerability (trials): Generally well tolerated in clinical trials, most commonly with mild injection-site reactions.
- ▪Note on humans: Beyond Barth syndrome these benefits are not established — major trials in mitochondrial myopathy (MMPOWER-3) and heart failure (PROGRESS-HF) failed their primary endpoints[4][5].
Common Side Effects
- ▪Injection-site reactions: Mild redness, tenderness or soreness can occur; rotating sites helps.
- ▪Unknown long-term profile: Human safety data is limited, so caution and monitoring are advised.
- ▪Approval scope: Approved only for Barth syndrome (Forzinity); all other uses are investigational and the long-term profile at these doses is not established.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[14][15].
Pre-Injection Preparation
- ▪Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- ▪Choose a site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully[15].
- ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
- ▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger.
- ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[14].
- ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn’t needed[14].
- ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it’s fully down.
- ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
- ▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle.
- ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away.
- ▪Rotate the injection site each day to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides.
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
- ▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA.
- ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition.
- ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch.
- ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain.
- ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
References
- 1
Circulation Research (PubMed)SS-31 (elamipretide) binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilizes cristae structure.
- 2
Pharmacological Reviews / J Pharmacol Exp Ther (PubMed)Mechanism of SS peptides: improved ATP synthesis and reduced reactive oxygen species in mitochondria.
- 3
U.S. FDAFDA accelerated approval of elamipretide (Forzinity) for Barth syndrome, September 2025.
- 4
The Lancet Neurology / ClinicalTrials.govMMPOWER-3: phase 3 trial of elamipretide in primary mitochondrial myopathy did not meet its primary endpoint.
- 5
ClinicalTrials.govPROGRESS-HF and related cardiac trials of elamipretide in heart failure failed to meet primary endpoints.
- 6
Stealth BioTherapeuticsDeveloper background and clinical program for elamipretide (MTP-131).
- 7
Peptide Storage GuideBest practices for storing lyophilized peptides (temperature, humidity and light protection).
- 8
Peptide Reconstitution & StabilityReconstituted peptides: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and avoid freeze–thaw, which can denature peptides.
- 9
Injection Site Rotation (Patient Education)Rotating subcutaneous injection sites to reduce irritation and lipohypertrophy.
- 10
U.S. FDA Forzinity LabelApproved indication, dosing and safety information for elamipretide (Forzinity).
- 11
Aging Cell / GeroScience (PubMed)Preclinical studies of SS-31 on age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle performance.
- 12
Free Radical Biology & Medicine (PubMed)SS-31 reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress in preclinical models.
- 13
ClinicalTrials.govRegistry of elamipretide trials across indications, including those that did not meet primary endpoints.
- 14
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Subcutaneous injection technique: angle, site and no-aspiration guidance.
- 15
Subcutaneous Injection Technique (Patient Education)How to administer a subcutaneous injection: clinical technique guidelines.
- 16
Prime Lab PeptidesResearch peptide supplier — purity specifications and certificates of analysis.
SS-31 — frequently asked questions
How do I reconstitute a 10 mg vial of SS-31?
Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab, then inject your bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Let it sit and gently swirl until dissolved — never shake. Store the mixed vial in the refrigerator and draw doses with an insulin syringe. Use the calculator above to turn any dose into syringe units.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to SS-31?
There is no single correct amount — more water simply spreads the same 10 mg of peptide across a larger volume, which makes small doses easier to measure accurately. 1 to 3 mL per vial is typical. Enter your chosen volume in the calculator above to see the resulting concentration and syringe units.
What do the "units" on an insulin syringe mean?
On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equal 1 mL, so 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. The calculator above converts your draw volume into these units automatically so you can measure without doing the math by hand.
How should I store SS-31 after mixing?
Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at roughly 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, away from light, and avoid freezing it. Reconstituted research peptides are generally used within a few weeks. Always follow the specific guidance supplied with your product.
How many doses does a 10 mg vial of SS-31 provide?
Divide the vial strength of 10 mg by the amount you use per injection. The calculator above reports this as "doses per vial" the moment you enter a dose.
Is SS-31 approved for human use?
No. SS-31 is sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes and is not approved by the FDA or other regulators for human use. Everything on this page is research information, not medical advice — consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
New protocols & dosing updates
Reconstitution charts, new peptide protocols and safety updates — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.