Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Sermorelin | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC. |
| Timing | Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach. | Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions. |
| Cycle Duration | 12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment. | Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established. |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | Emerging (Phase 2/3 trials) |
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino acid peptide representing the biologically active fragment of GHRH (amino acids 1-29) with full functional activity. It activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating cAMP production via Gs protein/adenylate cyclase and MAP kinase pathways. Due to the interactive effects of sermorelin and endogenous somatostatin, GH release is episodic rather than continuous. Sermorelin also stimulates pituitary gene transcription of GH mRNA, increasing and preserving pituitary GH reserve.
Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection.
Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach.
12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment.
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.
Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →