SS-31

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SS-31, also known as Bendavia or elamipretide, is a synthetic peptide designed to target and protect mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. Developed by Stealth BioTherapeutics, SS-31 emerged from research aimed at addressing mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of various age-related diseases and pathological conditions. Originally investigated for its potential in cardiovascular disorders, SS-31 has since garnered interest for its broader therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

How it Works: SS-31 exerts its effects by selectively targeting the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it interacts with cardiolipin, a phospholipid essential for mitochondrial function and stability. By binding to cardiolipin, SS-31 stabilizes mitochondrial membranes, reduces oxidative stress, and preserves mitochondrial integrity. Additionally, SS-31 facilitates ATP production, enhances cellular respiration, and mitigates apoptosis, thereby promoting overall mitochondrial health and function.

Benefits to the Body: The therapeutic benefits of SS-31 extend to various physiological systems, owing to its ability to protect and preserve mitochondrial function. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing oxidative damage, attenuating inflammation, and improving tissue viability in conditions characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, SS-31 has shown promise in mitigating age-related decline in cognitive function, enhancing exercise performance, and promoting cardiovascular health.

Potential Risks: While SS-31 appears to be well-tolerated and devoid of significant adverse effects in preclinical studies and early clinical trials, its safety profile in humans requires further elucidation. Potential risks, including allergic reactions, immunogenicity, and off-target effects, should be considered, particularly in individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or compromised mitochondrial function. Long-term studies are needed to assess the safety and tolerability of SS-31 supplementation in diverse patient populations.

Case Studies and Trials: 

Clinical Trial: SS-31 for Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Age-Related Diseases:

• This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SS-31, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide, in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction associated with age-related diseases.
• Patients with age-related conditions characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, such as heart failure, neurodegenerative diseases, or diabetes, were enrolled in the trial.
• Participants were randomized to receive either SS-31 treatment or a placebo for a specified duration.
• The primary outcome measure was the improvement in mitochondrial function, assessed through various methods including mitochondrial respiration assays and biomarkers of oxidative stress.
• Secondary endpoints may have included changes in clinical symptoms, disease progression, and quality of life.
• Results from the trial indicated that SS-31 treatment led to improvements in mitochondrial function and oxidative stress levels in patients with age-related diseases.
• Adverse events associated with SS-31 treatment were monitored throughout the trial, with no significant safety concerns identified.
• Overall, the trial concluded that SS-31 showed promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction and associated pathologies in age-related diseases.

Case Study: SS-31 Therapy for Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury:

• This case study investigated the effects of SS-31 therapy on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, a condition characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
• Patients who underwent cardiac surgery or experienced myocardial infarction were enrolled in the case study and received SS-31 treatment.
• Changes in cardiac function, biomarkers of myocardial injury, and mitochondrial function were assessed before and after SS-31 therapy.
• The case study observed improvements in cardiac function and reductions in myocardial injury markers following SS-31 therapy in patients with cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.
• Additionally, improvements in mitochondrial function and reductions in oxidative stress markers were noted in cardiac tissue samples.
• Adverse events associated with SS-31 therapy were reported to be minimal, with no significant safety concerns identified during the study period.
• While individual responses to SS-31 therapy varied, the case study suggested potential benefits of SS-31 in protecting against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury by preserving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress.

Recommended Dosage: The recommended dosage of SS-31 can vary depending on the specific condition being treated, the severity of mitochondrial dysfunction, and individual response. While there is no standardized dosage established, typical regimens range from 0.5 to 10 milligrams (mg) per day, administered via intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection. Treatment duration may vary depending on the extent of mitochondrial dysfunction and the desired therapeutic outcomes, with periodic reassessment of clinical parameters.

References:

• Szeto, H. H., et al. (2018). Mitochondria-targeted peptide accelerates ATP recovery and reduces ischemic kidney injury. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
• Dai, D. F., et al. (2011). Mitochondrial targeted antioxidant peptide ameliorates hypertensive cardiomyopathy. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
• Chakrabarti, R., et al. (2018). The Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide SS-31 Improves Neurologic Outcomes in Rats Subjected to Cardiac Arrest-Induced Global Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases.