NAD+ vs SS-31
Cellular
NAD+
Essential redox coenzyme and substrate for sirtuins and PARPs — central to metabolic and DNA repair research.
Cellular
SS-31
Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with high affinity for cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Side by side
| Dimension | NAD+ | SS-31 |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 663.43 g/mol | 639.79 g/mol |
| Size class | short peptide | short peptide |
| CAS number | 53-84-9 | 736992-21-5 |
| Research area | longevity | longevity |
| Sequence | Not published as a linear sequence | D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 |
| Available sizes | 500mg, 1000mg | 10mg |
| Entry price | $59 | $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. | $0.11 | $4.90 |
Mechanism
NAD+
NAD+ is a dinucleotide coenzyme present in all living cells, functioning both as an electron carrier in redox reactions and as a consumed substrate for sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38. It is not a peptide. Research interest in the longevity context follows from the observation that tissue NAD+ concentration declines with age, and from the dependence of sirtuin activity on NAD+ availability.
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.
NAD+
Evidence base: enormous for NAD+ biology, much smaller for exogenous NAD+ administration. Most interventional human data concerns precursors, not NAD+ itself, and membrane permeability is the reason. Read precursor results as precursor results.
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
NAD+
- Sirtuin activity and deacetylation assays
- PARP-mediated DNA repair studies
- Mitochondrial respiration and redox state measurement
- CD38 and NAD+ consumption pathway research
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 NAD+ and SS-31?
NAD+ is essential redox coenzyme and substrate for sirtuins and PARPs — central to metabolic and DNA repair research. SS-31 is mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide with high affinity for cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane. They differ in molecular weight (663.43 vs 639.79 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, NAD+ or SS-31?
NAD+ is lower at approximately $0.11 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 NAD+ 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 NAD+ and SS-31 be stored?
Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light and moisture. NAD+ is hygroscopic and degrades in solution faster than most peptides — prepare fresh where the assay permits. 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?
NAD+ — Evidence base: enormous for NAD+ biology, much smaller for exogenous NAD+ administration. Most interventional human data concerns precursors, not NAD+ itself, and membrane permeability is the reason. Read precursor results as precursor results. 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.