Class
Mitochondria-targeted & mitochondrial-derived peptides
This group covers two kinds of peptide linked to mitochondria. Mitochondrial-derived peptides such as humanin and MOTS-c are encoded by short open reading frames in the mitochondrial genome and are described as signalling molecules. Mitochondria-targeted peptides such as elamipretide (SS-31) are synthetic molecules that bind the inner mitochondrial membrane. Apart from elamipretide, the reported effects on metabolism, cell survival and energy production come from cells and animals.
How the members differ
- Elamipretide binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is FDA-approved under accelerated approval for Barth syndrome.
- MOTS-c comes from the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and is described as inhibiting the folate cycle and activating AMPK, with skeletal muscle as its apparent primary target.
- Humanin comes from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and was discovered as a neuronal survival factor; reported binding partners include IGFBP-3, Bax and Bid.
- Only elamipretide has interventional human trials; human data for MOTS-c and humanin are measurements of the body's own levels.
Compounds in this group
SS-31 (Elamipretide)Human trial evidence · FDA-approvedSS-31, also called elamipretide, is a mitochondria-targeted synthetic tetrapeptide. In September 2025 the FDA granted accelerated approval to its injectable form (FORZINITY) for Barth syndrome, based on an intermediate muscle-strength endpoint. Studies in other conditions have been reported, and the approval does not extend to them.
MOTS-cPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyMOTS-c is a short peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, studied in cellular and animal models of metabolism and stress response.
HumaninPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyHumanin is a small mitochondria-derived peptide, studied in cell and animal research on cytoprotection and metabolic signaling.
Compare SS-31 (Elamipretide), MOTS-c, Humanin side by side
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement. Mechanism descriptions summarize published research and are not claims of effect in people.