Aging & longevity · Muscle & recovery
SS-31, simplified.
Also called Elamipretide, Forzinity
Approved RxA mitochondria-protecting peptide that became the first approved treatment for a rare genetic disease in 2025.
- Size
- 4 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Daily injection
- Status
- FDA-approved for one rare disease
What is it?
SS-31 sticks to the inner wall of mitochondria and helps keep their energy machinery working.
What studies show
- In peopleIt received accelerated FDA approval in 2025 for Barth syndrome, a rare inherited disease that weakens muscles and the heart.
- In peopleA larger trial in another mitochondrial disease missed its main goal.
What we don’t know yet
- Whether it has any anti-aging benefit in healthy people.
Side effects and cautions
- Injection-site reactions are common.
Is it legal?
FDA-approved only for Barth syndrome.
Common questions
What is SS-31?
A mitochondria-protecting peptide that became the first approved treatment for a rare genetic disease in 2025. SS-31 sticks to the inner wall of mitochondria and helps keep their energy machinery working.
What does the research say about SS-31?
It received accelerated FDA approval in 2025 for Barth syndrome, a rare inherited disease that weakens muscles and the heart. A larger trial in another mitochondrial disease missed its main goal.
Is SS-31 FDA approved?
FDA-approved only for Barth syndrome.
What are the side effects of SS-31?
Injection-site reactions are common.
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-09-26.