SS-31: what the research shows
The first approved medicine that targets the mitochondria, the cell’s power plants.
Also known as Elamipretide, Forzinity
At a glance
+96 m
longer 6-minute walk after 168 weeks
Long-term follow-up of 10 people with Barth syndrome
Approved in the US in September 2025 (as Forzinity) for Barth syndrome, a rare inherited disease. It is an accelerated approval, which means a further trial must confirm the benefit.
What is SS-31?
SS-31 is a small four-building-block peptide that travels into mitochondria, the parts of our cells that make energy.
How does SS-31 work?
It binds to the inner membrane of mitochondria and helps them keep their structure and work properly.
What does the research show?
- The FDA approved it for Barth syndrome, a rare disease that weakens the heart and muscles, based on improved leg (knee) strength in a placebo-controlled trial.
- In a long-term follow-up of 10 people with Barth syndrome, the distance they could walk in 6 minutes improved by 96 meters after 168 weeks.
Known risks and side effects
- Reactions where it is injected were the most common side effect.
- It is approved only for Barth syndrome; use for anything else hasn’t been proven.
Is SS-31 approved?
A medicines regulator, such as the FDA in the US or the EMA in Europe, has approved it for specific uses.
Approved in the US in September 2025 (as Forzinity) for Barth syndrome, a rare inherited disease. It is an accelerated approval, which means a further trial must confirm the benefit.
From the community
Watch: SS-31 and related science
We have not selected a reliable dedicated SS-31 video. These lessons cover the relevant biology and research methods; the compound-specific evidence is in the sources below.
Khan Academy
Mitochondria: structure and cellular energy
A foundation for reading mitochondrial research. It does not demonstrate a benefit from any experimental compound.
Biology education
Related biology
Background on mitochondria and cellular energy for understanding SS-31. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
Progress, Potential, and Possibilities
NAD coenzymes, metabolic stress and new interventions
A leading NAD scientist on what the molecule does and what boosting it might achieve.
Interview with Charles Brenner, PhD, NAD researcher at City of Hope
Related biology
Background on NAD metabolism for understanding SS-31. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
Sources and references
- FDA grants accelerated approval for first treatment for Barth syndromeUS Food and Drug Administration · September 2025
- Long-term efficacy and safety of elamipretide in patients with Barth syndrome: 168-week open-label extension resultsThompson et al. · Genetics in Medicine · 2024
VETUD Learn explains published research in plain language. It is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
In the research shop
Check the catalog for related laboratory research materials. These products are separate from the approved medicines and clinical trial formulations discussed here.
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