LL-37 (Cathelicidin) vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
LL-37 (Cathelicidin)
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It plays crucial roles in innate immunity and has shown diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and wound healing properties.
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 | LL-37 (Cathelicidin) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 500 mcg–1.6 mg | 20 mg–40 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 2–4 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Route | topical | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Disrupts bacterial membranes, neutralizes endotoxins, modulates immune cell function, and promotes wound healing. Has both direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. | 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 | Research protocols vary widely. Typical ranges: 50-200mcg administered subcutaneously 2-3 times weekly. Some protocols use higher doses for acute infections. | 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. Can cause significant injection site reactions. Often used in conjunction with other immune-supporting protocols. | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. |
| Side Effects | Injection site pain and reactions are common. May cause flu-like symptoms, temporary fatigue, or immune activation responses. | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
LL-37 (Cathelicidin), SS-31 (Elamipretide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | LL-37 (Cathelicidin) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | medium |
Key Studies
LL-37 (Cathelicidin)
- Cathelicidin LL-37 Expression in Human Breast Implant Capsules.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2024
- Salivary Cathelicidin (LL-37) in Children and Adolescents Living with HIV.
Biomedicine hub, 2024
- Antifungal properties of cathelicidin LL-37: current knowledge and future research directions.
World journal of microbiology & biotechnology, 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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