SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs Dermorphin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)Recovery & Repair
Dermorphin- Summary
- 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.
- Dermorphin is a naturally occurring heptapeptide opioid isolated from the skin of South American phyllomedusine frogs. It is one of the most potent endogenous mu-opioid receptor agonists known, approximately 30-40 times more potent than morphine by weight. Explored for pain management and fatigue modulation.
- Half-Life
- ~2–5 hours
- Estimated 30-60 minutes (longer than endorphins due to D-Ala)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Subcutaneous (research), Intrathecal (research), Intranasal (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mg
- Not established for human use; research doses vary widely
- Frequency
- Daily to several times per week
- Not established
- Key Benefits
- 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
- Potent analgesia superior to morphine on a per-weight basis
- May reduce perception of fatigue in high-intensity activity
- Longer-lasting than endogenous opioids due to D-amino acid substitution
- Research tool for mu-opioid receptor pharmacology
- Potential therapeutic application in refractory pain
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- High addiction and dependence potential (mu-opioid agonism)
- Respiratory depression at high doses
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Sedation and cognitive impairment
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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