BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
BNP is a cardiac neurohormone released primarily by ventricles in response to volume/pressure overload. It's a major biomarker for heart failure and has therapeutic applications as nesiritide.
Full details →SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia, is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. It has been studied extensively for mitochondrial diseases, heart failure, and age-related decline in mitochondrial function.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 25 mcg–100 mcg | 20 mg–40 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–4 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Similar to ANP - activates NPR-A receptors to produce vasodilation, natriuresis, and RAAS suppression. Released in response to ventricular wall stress. | Concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds to cardiolipin, stabilizing electron transport chain function, reducing reactive oxygen species, and improving ATP production efficiency. |
| Typical Dosage | Nesiritide (recombinant BNP): 2mcg/kg IV bolus followed by 0.01mcg/kg/min continuous infusion for acute decompensated heart failure. | Clinical trials have used IV infusions of 0.25mg/kg for acute conditions. Subcutaneous dosing protocols for research use typically range from 1-5mg daily. |
| Administration | Intravenous administration only. Used in acute care settings for heart failure. BNP levels also used diagnostically. | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. |
| Side Effects | Hypotension (common and dose-limiting), headache, nausea, and potential renal function worsening in some patients. | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide), SS-31 (Elamipretide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | medium |
Key Studies
BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
- Developing a risk score for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) ≥ 100 pg/ml levels: the suita study.
BMC cardiovascular disorders, 2025
- Inhibition of Fap Promotes Cardiac Repair by Stabilizing BNP.
Circulation research, 2023
- Body Composition Measures and N-terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in US Adults.
Clinical chemistry, 2023
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
- Elamipretide: First Approval.
Drugs, 2026
- Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction With Elamipretide (SS-31) Improves Skeletal Muscle Performance in a HFpEF Rat Model.
Circulation. Heart failure, 2026
- Elamipretide (SS-31) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Combination Therapy Targets TREM2 to Mitigate Post-ischemic Brain Injury in Mice.
Neurochemical research, 2026
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