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

Get it free
ToolsComparePEG-MGF vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)

PEG-MGF vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)

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

Anabolic & IGF
PEG-MGF
Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Summary
PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a modified form of MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) where polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains have been attached to extend its half-life from minutes to days. Native MGF is released locally in muscle in response to mechanical stress and quickly degrades. PEGylation allows systemic administration with sustained circulation, enabling whole-body muscle repair and anabolic signaling rather than the purely local effect of native MGF.
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
~3 days (due to PEGylation)
~2–5 hours
Admin Route
SubQ
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
200–400 mcg
5–10 mg
Frequency
2–3x per week
Daily to several times per week
Key Benefits
  • Extended half-life (~3 days) vs native MGF (minutes)
  • Systemic muscle satellite cell activation via subcutaneous injection
  • Promotes muscle fiber repair and hypertrophy throughout the body
  • Enhanced recovery from intense training or muscle injury
  • Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 and growth hormone peptides
  • Useful in sarcopenia, post-injury recovery, and athletic performance
  • Single injection provides multi-day anabolic signaling
  • 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
  • Water retention and localized swelling
  • Potential hypoglycemia at high doses
  • Theoretical cancer growth risk (growth factor)
  • Injection site reactions
  • +1 more
  • Injection site irritation
  • Nausea (rare)
  • Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
Stacks With