Cortexin vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cortexin
Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from pig brain cortex, used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for neurological conditions including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.
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 | Cortexin | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–20 mg | 20 mg–40 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–2 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Route | intramuscular | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Contains a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids that support neuronal metabolism, provide neuroprotection, and enhance synaptic transmission. Specific mechanisms not fully characterized. | 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 | Clinical protocols: 10mg intramuscularly once daily for 10-20 days. May be repeated after 3-6 month interval. | 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 | Intramuscular injection. Comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Treatment given in courses rather than continuously. | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals. | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cortexin, SS-31 (Elamipretide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Cortexin:
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Cortexin | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | medium |
Key Studies
Cortexin
- [Cortexin in the comprehensive therapy of alcoholic encephalopathy].
Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 2026
- Cortexin modulates OPG/RANK/RANKL and TRPC1 expression in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Neurological research, 2026
- Neurotropic Effects of Cortexin on Models of Mental and Physical Developmental Delay.
Biomedicines, 2025
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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