New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

Get it free
ToolsCompareMOTS-c vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)

MOTS-c vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Anti-Aging & Longevity
MOTS-c
Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Summary
MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It acts as a metabolic regulator, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing exercise capacity, and counteracting age-related metabolic decline. It is often called a 'mitochondrial hormone.'
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
Estimated 1–2 hours
~2–5 hours
Admin Route
SubQ
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
5–15 mg
5–10 mg
Frequency
3–5 times per week
Daily to several times per week
Key Benefits
  • Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
  • Enhances exercise capacity and endurance
  • Reduces age-related metabolic decline
  • Activates AMPK — the master metabolic regulator
  • Promotes fat oxidation
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • May extend healthspan via mitochondrial optimization
  • Increases energy and reduces fatigue
  • 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
  • Injection site irritation
  • Fatigue during initial adaptation
  • Unknown long-term profile (limited human data)
  • Injection site irritation
  • Nausea (rare)
  • Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
Stacks With