Epitalon vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Epitalon
Epitalon (Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural peptide epithalamin, produced by the pineal gland. It is primarily studied for its effects on telomerase activation.
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 | Epitalon | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 5 mg–10 mg | 20 mg–40 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 2–3 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Stimulates telomerase production, which can lengthen telomeres on DNA strands. May also regulate melatonin production and circadian rhythms. | 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 | Typical protocols: 5-10mg daily for 10-20 days, repeated 2-3 times per year. | 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 | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Usually administered in cycles 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 affect sleep patterns initially. | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. |
| Best For |
Key Differences
Unique to Epitalon:
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Key Studies
Epitalon
- Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2025
- Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity.
Biogerontology, 2025
- The Antioxidant Tetrapeptide Epitalon Enhances Delayed Wound Healing in an in Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy.
Stem cell reviews and reports, 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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