5-Amino-1MQ vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

5-Amino-1MQSS-31 (Elamipretide)
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 50-150 mg daily via oral administration, typically divided into 1-2 doses.Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
TimingMorning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food.Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Cycle Duration8-12 week cycles.Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalEmerging (Phase 2/3 trials)
A

5-Amino-1MQ

Peptides

Mechanism

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide, generating 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA). By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ increases intracellular NAD+ levels, reduces 1-MNA production, suppresses lipogenesis in adipocytes, and modulates the methionine-homocysteine cycle. In vivo, it significantly reduces body weight, white adipose mass, and adipocyte size through enhanced energy expenditure and altered lipid metabolism.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 50-150 mg daily via oral administration, typically divided into 1-2 doses.

Timing

Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles.

Side Effects

  • Mild GI discomfort
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea (uncommon)
  • Nausea at higher doses

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Active cancer (NAD+ modulation concern)

Best Stacking Partners

MOTS-cAOD-9604TesofensineSemaglutide

Mechanism

SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, also known as elamipretide/Bendavia) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin via electrostatic interactions. This stabilizes cardiolipin against oxidative damage, preserving cristae integrity, reducing ROS production, and maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. SS-31 interacts with proteins in two functional groups: oxidative phosphorylation complexes and 2-oxoglutarate metabolic enzymes — all known cardiolipin binders. It restores mitochondrial function without acting as a direct antioxidant.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.

Timing

Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.

Cycle Duration

Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.

Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea (in clinical trials)
  • Nausea

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe renal impairment (peptide clearance concern)
  • Not commercially available
  • Clinical trial participants only

Best Stacking Partners

MOTS-cHumaninEpitalon

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