Encyclopedia · Longevity & Mitochondrial Health

SS-31

Evidence review

Evidence grade A

Human evidence supports a narrow approved indication and product-specific formulation only.

Reviewed Aug 10, 2026 5 linked authoritative sources

SS-31, also called elamipretide, is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. In September 2025 FDA granted accelerated approval to the prescription product Forzinity (elamipretide). That approval is narrow and product-specific; it does not apply to generic “SS-31” research vials, wellness use, or other mitochondrial…

SS-31 is now an approved drug ingredient under a specific name

SS-31, also called elamipretide, is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. In September 2025 FDA granted accelerated approval to the prescription product Forzinity (elamipretide). That approval is narrow and product-specific; it does not apply to generic “SS-31” research vials, wellness use, or other mitochondrial disorders.[1]

The approved indication is Barth syndrome only

Forzinity is indicated to improve muscle strength in adults and pediatric patients with Barth syndrome who weigh at least 30 kg.[2] Approval used the accelerated pathway and was based on improvement in knee-extensor muscle strength as an intermediate clinical endpoint. Continued approval may depend on a confirmatory trial that verifies clinical benefit.[2][3]

Evidence does not generalize across mitochondrial diseases

In the 218-participant MMPOWER-3 trial, elamipretide did not improve the six-minute walk distance or fatigue at 24 weeks in primary mitochondrial myopathy.[4] In the much smaller 12-person randomized Barth syndrome crossover trial, neither primary endpoint was met during the blinded phase; improvements appeared during the open-label extension.[5]

These mixed, disease-specific results show why an approval for Barth syndrome cannot be reframed as evidence for energy, exercise performance, anti-aging, recovery, heart disease, or general mitochondrial support.

Product-specific safety and use

Forzinity has an FDA-reviewed formulation, dose, storage instructions, contraindications, warnings, and adverse-reaction information.[2] Those instructions belong only to the approved product and eligible Barth syndrome patients under clinical care. A research powder does not inherit its identity, purity, concentration, stability, or safety evidence.

Regulatory status

Elamipretide is FDA-approved only as Forzinity for the labeled Barth syndrome population. Other indications remain unapproved or investigational. Teloryx does not convert the product label or clinical-trial regimens into self-use instructions for research vials.

Evidence review

Sources and evidence

Citation numbers in the article link to the exact regulator records, trial registrations, and publications reviewed.

  1. U.S. FDAFDA grants accelerated approval to first treatment for Barth syndrome (2025)
  2. DailyMedForzinity (elamipretide) official prescribing information (2025)
  3. U.S. FDAOngoing non-malignant accelerated approvals (2026)
  4. NeurologyMMPOWER-3 randomized clinical trial (2023)
  5. Genetics in MedicineRandomized trial and open-label extension in Barth syndrome (2021)