Mitochondria & energy metabolism
This hub covers compounds researched for effects on mitochondrial structure and function, cellular energy sensing and whole-body energy expenditure. Elamipretide and NAD+ precursors have human trials, while the mitochondrial findings for most other entries come from animals or cells.
Approved or human trial evidence
SS-31 (Elamipretide)Human trial evidence · FDA-approvedCardiolipin-binding, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide; FDA-approved for Barth syndrome on a strength endpoint, while the phase 3 MMPOWER-3 trial in mitochondrial myopathy missed its endpoints.
RetatrutideHuman trial evidence · InvestigationalIn obese mice, part of retatrutide's body-weight effect was attributed to glucagon-receptor-driven increases in energy expenditure; human trials measured body weight.
SurvodutideHuman trial evidence · InvestigationalIn obese mice, survodutide produced larger body-weight reductions than semaglutide, attributed to increased energy expenditure together with reduced food intake.
Limited human data
Animal and laboratory research
MOTS-cPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyEncoded in mitochondrial DNA; cell work linked it to folate-cycle inhibition and AMPK activation, and exercise raised its endogenous levels in human muscle.
HumaninPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyMitochondrial-derived peptide described in reviews as inhibiting mitochondrial complex I; in isolated mitochondria it blocked Bid-induced cytochrome c release.
SLU-PP-332Preclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyA small-molecule ERR agonist, not a peptide; it increased mitochondrial respiration in muscle cells and energy expenditure and fatty acid oxidation in obese mice.
EpithalonPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyIn cultured mouse oocytes, Epithalon was associated with lower reactive oxygen species and higher mitochondrial membrane potential; no controlled human trial.
Comparisons in this area
Guides
Questions people ask
Which mitochondria-targeted peptide is FDA-approved?
Elamipretide (SS-31) is approved in the US as FORZINITY under accelerated approval for Barth syndrome, based on knee extensor strength. Its randomized crossover trial did not show superiority over placebo on the primary endpoints.
Has MOTS-c been given to humans?
No controlled trial administering MOTS-c to people was identified. Human data measure the endogenous peptide, which rose in skeletal muscle and blood with exercise, while its metabolic and performance findings come from mice.
Do NAD+ precursors change mitochondrial function in people?
Results are inconsistent. In aged men, nicotinamide riboside raised the muscle NAD+ metabolome without changing mitochondrial respiration, and a 2026 systematic review found functional outcomes heterogeneous and often null.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement. Listing a compound under a research goal describes published research in the stated model. It is not a claim that the compound works, and it is not medical advice.