Quick answerIn documented research protocols, the SS-31 10 mg vial is typically reconstituted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water, and the literature references approximately 5 mg per dose. These figures describe documented research protocols and are shared strictly for research-use-only reference, not as medical advice.
Reconstitution calculator
Mix & measure SS-31 · 10 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol’s recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
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On the syringe—units
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Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Full reconstitution guide → · Advanced calculator →
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (1 mL = 10 mg/mL)
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Reconstitute: Add 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration 10 mg/mL (10,000 mcg/mL).
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Typical daily range: 5–10 mg once daily over an 8-week course (well below the ~40 mg/day used in human trials).
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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).
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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.
Phase / Week(s) Dose & Frequency Volume (U-100 units / mL) Weeks 1–2 5 mg (5,000 mcg) — 1× daily 50 units (0.50 mL) Weeks 3–8 10 mg (10,000 mcg) — 1× daily 100 units (1.0 mL)
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Why researchers study it
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.
01 · At a glance
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.
Reconstitute
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.
Daily range
5–10 mg once daily across an 8-week course. This is well below the ~40 mg/day SC dose used in human trials.
Easy measuring
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.
Storage
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.
i
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
02 · Dosing & reconstitution
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
1
Draw 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
2
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
3
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
4
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.
Note
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.
03 · What you’ll need
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course of once-daily injections with gradual titration.
✓Peptide Vials (SS-31, 10 mg each)
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
✓Insulin Syringes (U-100, 1 mL)
Per injection: 1 syringe 8 weeks (once daily): ~56 syringes 16 weeks (once daily): ~112 syringes
✓Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles)
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
✓Alcohol Swabs
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.
04 · Good to know
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].
05 · How it works
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.
06 · Daily habits
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.
07 · What to expect
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.
08 · Injection technique
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.
09 · Where to source
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.
Shop at Prime Lab Peptides →
10 · The evidence
References
1
Circulation Research (PubMed)
SS-31 (elamipretide) binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilizes cristae structure.
View Source ↗ 2
Pharmacological Reviews / J Pharmacol Exp Ther (PubMed)
Mechanism of SS peptides: improved ATP synthesis and reduced reactive oxygen species in mitochondria.
View Source ↗ 3
U.S. FDA
FDA accelerated approval of elamipretide (Forzinity) for Barth syndrome, September 2025.
View Source ↗ 4
The Lancet Neurology / ClinicalTrials.gov
MMPOWER-3: phase 3 trial of elamipretide in primary mitochondrial myopathy did not meet its primary endpoint.
View Source ↗ 5
ClinicalTrials.gov
PROGRESS-HF and related cardiac trials of elamipretide in heart failure failed to meet primary endpoints.
View Source ↗ 6
Stealth BioTherapeutics
Developer background and clinical program for elamipretide (MTP-131).
View Source ↗ 7
Peptide Storage Guide
Best practices for storing lyophilized peptides (temperature, humidity and light protection).
View Source ↗ 8
Peptide Reconstitution & Stability
Reconstituted peptides: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and avoid freeze–thaw, which can denature peptides.
View Source ↗ 9
Injection Site Rotation (Patient Education)
Rotating subcutaneous injection sites to reduce irritation and lipohypertrophy.
View Source ↗ 10
U.S. FDA Forzinity Label
Approved indication, dosing and safety information for elamipretide (Forzinity).
View Source ↗ 11
Aging Cell / GeroScience (PubMed)
Preclinical studies of SS-31 on age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle performance.
View Source ↗ 12
Free Radical Biology & Medicine (PubMed)
SS-31 reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress in preclinical models.
View Source ↗ 13
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry of elamipretide trials across indications, including those that did not meet primary endpoints.
View Source ↗ 14
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Subcutaneous injection technique: angle, site and no-aspiration guidance.
View Source ↗ 15
Subcutaneous Injection Technique (Patient Education)
How to administer a subcutaneous injection: clinical technique guidelines.
View Source ↗ 16
Prime Lab Peptides
Research peptide supplier — purity specifications and certificates of analysis.
View Source ↗