Elamipretide · mitochondria-targeting
The best-characterized mitochondria-targeting peptide — now FDA-approved for one ultra-rare disease, but unproven for aging.
✦ 2 min read · 2 sourcesWhat it is
SS-31 (elamipretide / MTP-131; marketed as FORZINITY) is a synthetic four-amino-acid Szeto-Schiller peptide designed to concentrate inside mitochondria, accumulating thousands-fold at the inner membrane.
How it works
It binds cardiolipin, a phospholipid found almost only on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Stabilizing cardiolipin preserves cristae structure and electron-transport efficiency — the result in models is more efficient ATP production, less electron leakage, and lower reactive-oxygen-species output.
What the evidence shows
Animal data is broad (heart failure, ischemia, aging muscle). The human story is sobering: large controlled trials missed their primary endpoints — PROGRESS-HF (heart failure), EMBRACE-STEMI (heart attack), and MMPOWER-3 (mitochondrial myopathy) all failed. The clear win came in Barth syndrome (TAZPOWER), where longer treatment improved muscle strength.
Quick check
Four questions, ~60 seconds, with a sourced result.
The honest take
Strong mechanism; approved for one rare disease only
Status & safety
In September 2025 FORZINITY received FDA accelerated approval for muscle strength in Barth syndrome — narrow and conditional. For every other use — heart failure, AMD, general mitochondrial disease, and all aging/longevity uses — it remains investigational. Longevity use is preclinical/theoretical only.
Summaries of published, third-party research for educational purposes. Not medical advice; not a claim of efficacy or safety for any use.
New, plain-language summaries as the literature develops. Educational only — no products, nothing for sale.
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