Ipamorelin vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
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 | Ipamorelin | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–300 mcg | 20 mg–40 mg |
| Frequency | 2x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Highly selective with minimal effect on other hormones. | 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 dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. | 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 injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Ipamorelin, SS-31 (Elamipretide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Ipamorelin:
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Ipamorelin | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | medium |
Key Studies
Ipamorelin
- The influence of ghrelin agonist ipamorelin acetate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in a cichlid fish, Oreochromis mossambicus.
Animal reproduction science, 2024
- The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism.
Physiology & behavior, 2024
- Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients.
International journal of colorectal disease, 2014
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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