Retatrutide vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
RetatrutideAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- Retatrutide is an investigational triple receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Phase 2 trials showed an unprecedented average 24% body weight reduction at 48 weeks — exceeding any approved medication to date. It is in Phase 3 trials as of 2024.
- 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
- ~10–12 days
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 2 mg → 4 mg → 8 mg → 12 mg
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- ~24% body weight reduction at 48 weeks in Phase 2 (highest dose)
- Superior to both semaglutide and tirzepatide in early trial comparisons
- Triple receptor mechanism addresses multiple obesity pathways
- Significant reduction in liver fat (MASH/NAFLD indication being studied)
- Improved cardiovascular and metabolic markers
- Once-weekly dosing
- Potential for greatest weight loss of any currently investigated compound
- 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 and vomiting (common during titration, similar to semaglutide/tirzepatide)
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heart rate increase (from glucagon receptor agonism)
- +2 more
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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