Orforglipron vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
OrforglipronAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- Orforglipron is an oral, once-daily small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. Unlike injectable GLP-1 peptides, it is a non-peptide compound absorbed orally without food restrictions, representing a major convenience advancement. Phase 2 trials showed up to 9.4% weight loss at 36 weeks, and Phase 3 trials (ATTAIN program) are ongoing for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- 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
- ~12 hours (once-daily oral dosing)
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- Oral
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 12 mg → 24 mg → 36 mg → 45 mg
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- Oral pill — no injections required
- Once-daily dosing without food restrictions (unlike oral semaglutide)
- Up to 9.4% body weight reduction in Phase 2 at 36 weeks
- Significant HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes trials
- Small-molecule stability — no cold chain requirements
- Broadens access for injection-averse patients
- Potential class-defining convenience advantage over injectable GLP-1s
- 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, dose-dependent)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- +2 more
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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