Exenatide vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss AgonistsCognitive Enhancement
ExenatideAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from the Gila monster lizard peptide exendin-4, with 53% homology to human GLP-1 and natural resistance to DPP-4 degradation. Available as twice-daily (Byetta) or once-weekly (Bydureon) formulation, it is also being studied for Parkinson's disease neuroprotection.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Half-Life
- ~2.4 hours (Byetta/twice-daily); Bydureon BCISE: weekly via microsphere release
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5 mcg, titrate to 10 mcg
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- Blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes
- Weight loss (average 2–3 kg in clinical trials)
- Once-weekly extended-release formulation available
- Reduces appetite and food intake
- Possible neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease (Phase II trials)
- Reduces systemic inflammation
- May protect pancreatic beta cells
- Cardiovascular neutral or potentially protective
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially initially)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- +4 more
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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