Semaglutide vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
SemaglutideAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes that has proven remarkably effective for weight loss. Clinical trials show average 15–20% body weight reduction. It is marketed as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight management).
- 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
- ~7 days
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Oral
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly, subcutaneous
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- Average 15–20% body weight reduction in clinical trials (STEP trials)
- Significant reduction in appetite and food cravings
- Improvement in blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
- Reduces cardiovascular risk (SELECT trial: 20% reduction in MACE)
- May reduce risk of kidney disease
- Improves metabolic markers (cholesterol, blood pressure)
- FDA-approved — extensively studied with robust safety data
- Weekly dosing convenience
- 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 during titration)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- +4 more
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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