SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs Thymulin
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 →Thymulin
Thymulin (Facteur Thymique Sérique) is a zinc-dependent nonapeptide hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells. It plays important roles in T-cell differentiation and immune system maturation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Thymulin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 20 mg–40 mg | 100 mcg–400 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–12 weeks | 4–8 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. | Requires zinc for biological activity. Promotes T-cell differentiation, modulates cytokine production, and influences neuroendocrine function. Levels decline significantly with age. |
| 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 vary. Often studied alongside zinc supplementation. Typical research doses in the microgram range. |
| Administration | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in research settings. Requires adequate zinc status for activity. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. | Limited data on exogenous administration. Theoretical effects on immune function require monitoring. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
SS-31 (Elamipretide), Thymulin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Unique to Thymulin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Anti-Aging & Longevity: SS-31 (Elamipretide) has stronger research support.
| Goal | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Thymulin |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Thymulin
- Thymulin restrains age-associated myeloid inflammation and enhances cancer immunotherapy.
Nature communications, 2026
- Thymulin and peroxiredoxin 6 have protective effects against streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes in mice.
International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology, 2021
- Nanoparticle-based thymulin gene therapy therapeutically reverses key pathology of experimental allergic asthma.
Science advances, 2020
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