SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
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 →GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays important roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and has shown anti-aging properties in research.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Attracts immune cells and fibroblasts to wound sites, stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, and has antioxidant effects. Modulates gene expression related to tissue repair. |
| 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. | Topical: Applied as serum or cream 1-2 times daily. Injectable: 1-2mg daily for research purposes. Microneedling protocols often use 0.5-1%. |
| Administration | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. | Most commonly used topically for skin applications. Can be injected subcutaneously for systemic effects. Often combined with microneedling for enhanced skin penetration. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. | Topical use is generally well-tolerated. May cause temporary skin irritation or redness in sensitive individuals. Injectable use may cause injection site reactions. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both SS-31 (Elamipretide) and GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) are commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Detailed Analysis
Both GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and SS-31 (Elamipretide) are commonly used for Recovery & Healing.
Which Should You Choose?
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) has stronger evidence for Recovery & Healing.