SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs Semax
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)Cognitive Enhancement
Semax- 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.
- Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH developed in Russia. It is a potent nootropic that enhances memory, focus, and provides neuroprotection. Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders, stroke recovery, and traumatic brain injury.
- Half-Life
- ~2–5 hours
- Minutes (but effects persist for hours via BDNF induction)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Intranasal, SubQ
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mg
- 0.25–1 mg (250–1000 mcg)
- Frequency
- Daily to several times per week
- 1–2 times daily
- 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
- Enhances memory and learning
- Improves focus and concentration
- Increases mental energy and motivation
- Provides neuroprotection via BDNF and NGF upregulation
- Reduces cognitive decline
- May alleviate ADHD symptoms
- Supports recovery from brain injury and stroke
- Fast-acting — effects within 30–60 minutes
- Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders and stroke recovery
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Headache (rare, often from higher doses)
- Anxiety or overstimulation at high doses
- Sleep disruption if dosed too late
- Irritability (uncommon)
- Stacks With
- —
- —