Epitalon vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)

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

✅ Stacking Partners — These compounds are commonly used together and may have synergistic effects.
EpitalonSS-31 (Elamipretide)
CategoryGrowth FactorsPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
TimingMorning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Cycle DurationClinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
Evidence LevelEmergingEmerging (Phase 2/3 trials)
A

Epitalon

Growth Factors

Mechanism

Synthetic tetrapeptide studied in Russian longevity literature for pineal signaling, circadian regulation, and telomerase-related hypotheses.

Contraindications

  • Human evidence remains limited

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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