Epitalon vs SS-31
Cellular
Epitalon
Synthetic tetrapeptide studied for telomerase activity and pineal regulation in cell and animal models.
Cellular
SS-31
Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with high affinity for cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Side by side
| Dimension | Epitalon | SS-31 |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 390.35 g/mol | 639.79 g/mol |
| Size class | small molecule / short peptide | short peptide |
| CAS number | 307297-39-8 | 736992-21-5 |
| Research area | longevity | longevity |
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
| Available sizes | 10mg, 50mg | 10mg |
| Entry price | $39 | $49 |
| Cost per mg Cost per milligram differs by more than 3×. Compare against the concentrations your protocol actually requires, not the headline vial price. | $1.38 | $4.90 |
Mechanism
Epitalon
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed from research on pineal gland extracts. Published work has examined effects on telomerase expression in somatic cell cultures and circadian regulation in aged animals. A candid note on the evidence base: much of the foundational literature comes from a single institute and is not widely independently replicated. Researchers should weight it accordingly.
SS-31
SS-31 is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane through interaction with cardiolipin, a phospholipid essential to cristae architecture and respiratory supercomplex assembly. Its alternating aromatic-cationic motif drives membrane targeting independent of mitochondrial membrane potential — a mechanistic distinction from earlier targeting strategies such as TPP+ conjugation.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
Epitalon
Evidence base: moderate volume, narrow provenance. A large share originates from one group. The telomerase mechanism is the most testable claim and has recently attracted work from outside that group, which is where replication should be sought.
Full research reference →SS-31
Evidence base: strong mechanism, well-characterised target, and a completed randomised controlled trial. The trial outcome should be read directly, since a compelling mechanism and a positive clinical result are separate things and this compound demonstrates the difference.
Full research reference →Research applications
Epitalon
- Telomerase activity assays in fibroblast culture
- Melatonin rhythm and pineal function studies
- Cellular senescence marker profiling
- Chromatin structure research in aged cell models
SS-31
- Cardiolipin binding and cristae morphology studies
- Mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis assays
- Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress models
- Ischemia-reperfusion injury research
Common questions
What is the difference between Epitalon and SS-31?
Epitalon is synthetic tetrapeptide studied for telomerase activity and pineal regulation in cell and animal models. SS-31 is mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with high affinity for cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane. They differ in molecular weight (390.35 vs 639.79 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, Epitalon or SS-31?
Epitalon is lower at approximately $1.38 per milligram at its best tier, against $4.90 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can Epitalon and SS-31 be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should Epitalon and SS-31 be stored?
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For SS-31: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
Epitalon — Evidence base: moderate volume, narrow provenance. A large share originates from one group. The telomerase mechanism is the most testable claim and has recently attracted work from outside that group, which is where replication should be sought. SS-31 — Evidence base: strong mechanism, well-characterised target, and a completed randomised controlled trial. The trial outcome should be read directly, since a compelling mechanism and a positive clinical result are separate things and this compound demonstrates the difference.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.