PEG-MGF vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
PEG-MGF
PEG-MGF (PEGylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a variant of IGF-1 that is produced in response to muscle damage. PEGylation extends its half-life from minutes to several hours, making it practical for use.
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 | PEG-MGF | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 400 mcg–1.2 mg | 20 mg–40 mg |
| Frequency | Less than daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–6 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) and promotes their fusion to existing muscle fibers for repair and growth. MGF is produced naturally in response to mechanical stress on muscles. | 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 typically use 200-400mcg injected into targeted muscle groups 2-3 times weekly, usually post-workout. | 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, ideally into muscles trained that day. Best administered post-workout when satellite cell activation is relevant. | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. |
| Side Effects | Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, and localized swelling. Generally well-tolerated. | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
PEG-MGF, SS-31 (Elamipretide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to PEG-MGF:
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | PEG-MGF | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | medium |
Key Studies
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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