In plain English
SS-31 is a four-amino-acid peptide that travels straight into mitochondria, the energy factories in your cells, and protects their inner membrane. Healthier mitochondria make energy more efficiently and produce less damaging waste. It is FDA-approved as Forzinity for Barth syndrome, a rare inherited mitochondrial disease, and is popular for energy and healthy aging.
What it's used for
- Muscle strength in Barth syndrome (Forzinity)
- Energy and endurance
- Healthy aging and mitochondrial support
- Being studied for heart, kidney and eye conditions linked to mitochondria
Benefits
In human and animal studies, SS-31 has shown:
- Improved muscle strength in people with Barth syndrome, the basis for its approval
- Better mitochondrial energy production and less oxidative stress
- Improved muscle and heart function in older animals
- Protection of heart, kidney and eye cells under stress in animal studies
Users report more stamina, better exercise recovery and less fatigue.
How it works
In simple terms: SS-31 shields the part of the mitochondria where energy is made.
It binds cardiolipin, a fat found in the inner mitochondrial membrane that holds the energy-making machinery together. By stabilizing cardiolipin, it helps the electron transport chain work smoothly, increases energy (ATP) production and reduces the leakage of harmful free radicals.
Development history
- Early 2000s: Designed by Hazel Szeto and Peter Schiller, giving the “SS” peptides their name.
- 2010s: Developed by Stealth BioTherapeutics as elamipretide and tested in several human studies.
- September 2025: FDA-approved as Forzinity to improve muscle strength in Barth syndrome.
Typical protocols
Forzinity is used as below. Users of research vials for energy and aging report much lower doses.
| Use | Dose | Frequency | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forzinity, Barth syndrome (prescribing label) | 40 mg | Once daily | Long term |
| Energy and aging (users report) | 2–10 mg | Once daily | 2–8 weeks, then a break |
Cycling
Users commonly run 2–8 week courses with breaks in between.
Administration options
Subcutaneous injection once daily in the belly or outer thigh.
Reconstitution and dosing calculator
Research SS-31 commonly comes in 10 mg or 50 mg vials and is mixed with 2–3 mL of bacteriostatic water.
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This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.
Side effects and safety
- Most common: injection-site reactions such as redness, pain, swelling, itching, bruising or hives. These were the main side effects in studies.
- Some users report mild headache or dizziness.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common stacks
- MOTS-c and NAD+: combined by users for mitochondrial and energy support.
- Epitalon: combined in longevity protocols.
Storage
Forzinity: follow the label.
Research powder: refrigerate; after mixing, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.
Compare with
- MOTS-c: a mitochondrial peptide that improves how cells use fuel; SS-31 protects the mitochondrial membrane itself.
- NAD+: a coenzyme that fuels energy production rather than protecting mitochondria.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Forzinity dose so much higher than what users report?
Barth syndrome involves severely damaged mitochondria. Users taking it for general energy and aging report lower doses.
How long until people notice effects?
Users commonly report better stamina within 1–3 weeks.
Does it sting?
Injection-site reactions are the most common side effect; rotating sites helps.
References
- Szeto HH. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(8):2029-2050.
- Drugs.com. Forzinity (elamipretide). https://drugs.com/forzinity.html