Peptide Comparison
SS-31 (Elamipretide)vsTB-500
A revolutionary mitochondria-targeting peptide that works like a direct energy boost for your cells—binding to cardiolipin in your mitochondria to supercharge ATP production, reduce oxidative stress, and protect your cellular powerhouses from age-related decline.
A powerful fragment of thymosin beta-4 that acts like your body's repair signal—speeding up healing of muscles, tendons, and tissues by promoting cell migration and new blood vessel growth right where you need it most.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
5–40 mg
TB-500
2–5 mg
Frequency
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Once daily
TB-500
Twice weekly
Administration
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Subcutaneous injection
TB-500
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
4-6 weeks
TB-500
4-6 weeks
Onset Speed
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
TB-500
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
TB-500
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Mitochondrial Protection
Cellular Energy
Anti-Oxidant (Targeted)
Healing Speed
Tissue Repair
Anti-Scarring
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Molecular Formula
C32H49N9O5
Molecular Weight
639.8 g/mol
Half-Life
3-4 hours
Bioavailability
~92% (subcutaneous)
CAS Number
736992-21-5
TB-500
Molecular Formula
C38H68N10O14
Molecular Weight
889.01 g/mol
Half-Life
2-3 days (systemic)
Bioavailability
High via subcutaneous injection (~100%)
CAS Number
885340-08-9
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
TB-500
Applications
Best
suited for
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Mitochondrial Health Enthusiasts
If you're focused on optimizing cellular energy at the most fundamental level, SS-31 targets the actual machinery inside your mitochondria. It binds to cardiolipin—the special fat molecule that holds your electron transport chain together—keeping your cellular powerhouses running smoothly.
Aging Adults Concerned About Cellular Decline
Mitochondrial dysfunction is now recognized as a hallmark of aging. Your cells' energy factories get less efficient over time, producing more harmful byproducts. SS-31 helps protect and restore mitochondrial function, addressing one of the root causes of age-related decline.
Heart Health Supporters
Your heart is one of the most energy-demanding organs, packed with mitochondria. Clinical trials have studied SS-31 in heart failure patients because cardiac cells are especially vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction. Supporting heart mitochondria supports overall cardiovascular function.
Those Recovering from Oxidative Stress
Whether from intense exercise, illness, or environmental factors, oxidative stress damages your mitochondria from the inside out. SS-31 works as an antioxidant exactly where reactive oxygen species are produced—right at the inner mitochondrial membrane—neutralizing them before they cause harm.
TB-500
Athletes Recovering from Muscle Injuries
If you've pulled a hamstring, strained your back, or torn a muscle, TB-500 helps accelerate the healing process by promoting cell migration to the injury site and supporting new blood vessel growth. It's especially useful for injuries that just won't seem to fully heal.
Tendon and Ligament Problems
Tendons and ligaments are notoriously slow healers because they have poor blood supply. TB-500 promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and helps repair these stubborn connective tissue injuries—think Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, or rotator cuff issues.
Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery, your body needs to repair a lot of tissue quickly. TB-500 supports wound healing, reduces inflammation, and may help minimize scar tissue formation. Some protocols use it alongside traditional recovery to potentially speed up the healing timeline.
Chronic Inflammation and Slow Healers
Some people just heal slowly—whether due to age, diabetes, or other factors. TB-500 helps regulate the inflammatory response and promotes the cellular processes needed for tissue repair. It essentially tells your body to focus healing resources where they're needed most.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Uncommon
- Dizziness
- Flushing
Serious
- Allergic reaction
TB-500
Common
- Injection site redness
- Mild fatigue or lethargy
- Mild headache
- Slight flushing
Uncommon
- Head rush or lightheadedness
- Temporary nausea
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
FDA approved for other use
Safety Overview
SS-31 (elamipretide) has demonstrated a favorable safety profile across multiple clinical trials, including studies lasting up to 24 weeks. The most common adverse events are mild injection site reactions. In September 2025, elamipretide received FDA approval for Barth syndrome, validating its safety in that population. Most side effects are mild to moderate and typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy or planning pregnancy
- xCurrently breastfeeding
- xSevere kidney disease (peptide is renally excreted)
- xKnown hypersensitivity to elamipretide or its components
- xChildren and adolescents under 18
TB-500
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
TB-500 has shown a good safety profile across preclinical studies and limited human research. It's a fragment of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring protein in your body involved in healing. Most side effects are mild and transient, primarily injection site reactions. However, large-scale clinical trials are still needed to fully establish its safety profile in humans.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- xCurrently breastfeeding
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xKnown allergy to peptide components
- xChildren and adolescents
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose SS-31 (Elamipretide) if...
- Mitochondrial health optimization
- Cellular energy enhancement
- Healthy aging support
- Heart health maintenance
Choose TB-500 if...
- Accelerating injury recovery
- Tendon and ligament healing
- Reducing chronic inflammation
- Post-surgical recovery support