SS-31 (Elamipretide) Testing
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin; cardiac and renal research.
Mechanism of action
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (also known as Elamipretide). Binds selectively to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cristae structure and supporting electron transport chain assembly. The alternating cationic/aromatic motif is what drives mitochondrial targeting.
Sequence & structure
Two non-natural amino acids: D-Arg and 2',6'-dimethyl-Tyr. Stereochemistry verification is essential.
Research areas
- ●Heart failure (Stealth BioTherapeutics Phase 3)
- ●Mitochondrial diseases (Barth syndrome — FDA approved 2024)
- ●Ischemia-reperfusion injury
- ●Age-related muscle dysfunction
What we test on SS-31 (Elamipretide)
RP-HPLC, intact-mass LC-MS, MS/MS with stereochemistry confirmation against reference standard.
- ✓RP-HPLC purity
- ✓LC-MS identity
- ✓Stability indicating method (NAD+)
Common impurities & failure modes
- L-Arg substitution at position 1
Eliminates the alternating cationic/aromatic motif; activity loss.
- Demethylated Tyr
Loss of one or both methyl groups (−14 or −28 Da).
- Failed amidation
−1 Da.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved (Forzinity / elamipretide for Barth syndrome, 2024).