SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs Thymalin
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 →Thymalin
Thymalin is a polypeptide preparation derived from calf thymus. Developed in Russia, it has been used for decades to support immune function and has shown potential anti-aging effects in long-term studies.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Thymalin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 20 mg–40 mg | 5 mg–10 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–12 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | intramuscular |
| 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. | Regulates the ratio of T-cell subpopulations, stimulates cellular immunity, and enhances phagocytosis. Also affects neuroendocrine regulation and may influence melatonin production. |
| 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. | Clinical protocols: 5-20mg daily intramuscularly for 3-10 days. Often cycled 1-2 times per year for maintenance. |
| Administration | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. | Intramuscular injection. Usually administered in short courses rather than continuously. Often combined with Epithalamin for anti-aging protocols. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or temporary flu-like symptoms as immune function is modulated. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
SS-31 (Elamipretide), Thymalin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Unique to Thymalin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Anti-Aging & Longevity: SS-31 (Elamipretide) has stronger research support.
| Goal | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Thymalin |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Aging & Longevity | high | 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
Thymalin
- Reparative osteogenesis in mandible in cases of filling a bone defect with hydroxyapatite-containing osteotropic material and injecting the surrounding soft tissues with thymalin: experimental and morphological study.
Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960), 2024
- Expression features of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and macrophages in the post-traumatic regenerate of the mandible rats under conditions of filling a bone defect with hydroxyapatite-containing osteotropic material and thymalin injecting the surrounding soft tissues.
Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego, 2024
- The Influence of KE and EW Dipeptides in the Composition of the Thymalin Drug on Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis Involved in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2023
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