SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs Teriparatide
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 →Teriparatide
Teriparatide (Forteo) is recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34), FDA-approved for osteoporosis treatment. It's unique among osteoporosis drugs in that it stimulates new bone formation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Teriparatide |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 20 mg–40 mg | 20 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–12 weeks | 52–104 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| 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. | Intermittent PTH exposure paradoxically stimulates osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, resulting in net bone formation. Continuous exposure would cause bone loss, but pulsatile dosing builds bone. |
| 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. | 20mcg subcutaneously once daily. Maximum treatment duration of 2 years due to theoretical osteosarcoma risk from rat studies. |
| Administration | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. | Subcutaneous injection in thigh or abdomen once daily. Delivered via multi-dose pen. Should sit or lie down after injection due to orthostatic hypotension risk. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. | Orthostatic hypotension, leg cramps, nausea, dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions. Transient hypercalcemia possible. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
SS-31 (Elamipretide), Teriparatide are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Recovery & Healing: Teriparatide has stronger research support.
| Goal | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Teriparatide |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | high |
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
Teriparatide
- Teriparatide Plus Zoledronic Acid for Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA, 2026
- The Effectiveness and Safety of Romosozumab and Teriparatide in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis.
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2025
- Clinical effects of teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Journal of bone and mineral metabolism, 2025
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