SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs Follistatin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
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 →Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Follistatin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | 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. | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. |
| Typical Dosage | 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. | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. |
| Administration | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. |
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