SS-31 (Elamipretide) (50 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondrial-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing electron-transport chain function. This page covers the 50 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing
Standard / Gradual Approach (3.0 mL = ~16.67 mg/mL)
| Week | Daily Dose (mg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 5 mg (5000 mcg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 3–8 | 10 mg (10,000 mcg) | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously at a consistent time. This 50 mg vial reconstituted with 3.0 mL provides a higher concentration, keeping all standard doses within moderate syringe volumes for convenience and accuracy.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid vigorous shaking to prevent foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until fully dissolved (clear solution).
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light; follow product-specific use-by and sterile-handling requirements.
Advanced / Aggressive Approach (3.0 mL = ~16.67 mg/mL)
| Week | Daily Dose (mg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 5 mg (5000 mcg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 10 mg (10,000 mcg) | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 15 mg (15,000 mcg) | 90 units (0.90 mL) |
| Optional Weeks 9–12 | 20 mg (20,000 mcg) | Split: 2 × 60 units (0.60 mL each) |
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8–12 week daily protocol with gradual titration using 50 mg vials.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peptide Vials (SS‑31, 50 mg each) | 8 weeks (Standard: 5–10 mg/day): approximately 10 vials required 12 weeks (Standard maintenance at 10 mg/day): approximately 16 vials required 12 weeks (Advanced: escalating to 15 mg/day): approximately 21 vials required |
| Insulin Syringes (U‑100, 1 mL capacity) | Per week (standard dosing): 7 syringes (1/day) 8 weeks: 56 syringes 12 weeks: 84 syringes Advanced protocols with split injections may require 2 syringes per day for 20 mg doses |
| Bacteriostatic Water (30 mL bottles) | 8 weeks (10 vials): 30 mL — 1 bottle required (30 mL each) 12 weeks (16 vials): 48 mL — 2 bottles required (30 mL each) 12 weeks (21 vials, advanced): 63 mL — 3 bottles required (30 mL each) |
| Alcohol Swabs | Per week: 14 swabs (2/day) 8 weeks: 112 swabs — 2 boxes required (100 swabs each) 12 weeks: 168 swabs — 2 boxes required (100 swabs each) |
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 28 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-2',6'-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) of the Szeto-Schiller class. Its alternating cationic-aromatic structure concentrates it in the inner mitochondrial membrane (1000–5000× more than cytoplasm). It binds cardiolipin — the unique phospholipid that organizes the electron-transport chain — preserving cristae structure and ATP synthesis under oxidative stress.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Selective mitochondrial targeting via cardiolipin binding.
- Stabilization of electron-transport chain efficiency.
- Preservation of ATP synthesis under oxidative stress.
- Studied in mitochondrial myopathy.
- Cardioprotective effects in ischemia-reperfusion.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Injection-site reactions most common.
- Mild transient nausea or fatigue.
Lifestyle Factors
- Pair with aerobic exercise to amplify mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Adequate sleep supports mitochondrial recovery.
- CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid sufficiency complement effects.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous, abdomen/thigh/upper arm. Rotate sites.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle.