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Research Comparison

Ipamorelin vs SS-31

Ipamorelin and SS-31 are studied in overlapping research areas, which is why they are frequently compared. This is a neutral side-by-side reference drawn from published preclinical literature and laboratory handling data.

Shared research areas:Metabolic
ClassSynthetic pentapeptide GH secretagogue (ghrelin-receptor agonist)Mitochondria-targeting aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding)
Molecular weight711.85 g/mol639.81 g/mol
CAS numberNot assigned / not specifiedNot assigned / not specified
Purity spec≥97%≥99%
Research areasHormonal & Endocrine, MetabolicCellular Longevity, Metabolic
Primary diluentBacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
Working windowCommonly worked with for 3-4 weeks at 2-8 °C — helped by the absence of oxidation-prone residues.Commonly worked with for 3-4 weeks at 2-8 °C.
Lead degradation routeC-terminal amide hydrolysis over long solution storage.Adsorptive loss to plasticware from the cationic charge — the main practical concern.
Freeze–thawTolerates freezing reasonably; aliquot on first reconstitution as standard practice.Tolerant; the unnatural residues resist degradation. Aliquot as standard practice.
Light sensitivityNo specific light requirement beyond normal practice.No specific light requirement beyond normal practice.

How they actually differ

Comparing the two: Ipamorelin is synthetic pentapeptide gh secretagogue (ghrelin-receptor agonist), while SS-31 is mitochondria-targeting aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding) — different molecular classes with different handling consequences; their leading degradation routes differ (c-terminal amide hydrolysis over long solution storage. for Ipamorelin, adsorptive loss to plasticware from the cationic charge for SS-31), so the storage precautions that matter are not the same; their practical working windows differ once reconstituted. The sections below set out each in full.

Ipamorelin — origin

Ipamorelin (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) is a pentapeptide ghrelin-receptor agonist. It was characterised as the first highly selective growth-hormone secretagogue — prompting GH release with minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin or appetite signalling, which is the property that keeps it in the research literature.

SS-31 — origin

SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a Szeto-Schiller aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-2',6'-dimethyltyrosine-Lys-Phe-NH2) that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, the lipid unique to that membrane. Its structure is the reason it is studied specifically at the mitochondrion rather than as a general antioxidant.

Ipamorelin research themes

Ghrelin-receptor selectivity

Studied as a selective GHS-R agonist that releases GH with little effect on cortisol, prolactin or ACTH — the feature that distinguishes it from earlier GHRPs.

GH pulsatility

Examined for the shape and timing of growth-hormone release in research models.

Complementary pairing

Frequently combined with GHRH analogues such as CJC-1295 to study two GH-release pathways at once.

SS-31 research themes

Cardiolipin binding

Studied for selective association with cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, the basis of its mitochondrial targeting.

Electron transport efficiency

Examined for effects on mitochondrial energy production in research models of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Oxidative stress

Investigated around reactive-oxygen-species handling at the mitochondrion.

Ipamorelin handling

  • Reach room temperature before opening.
  • Swirl to dissolve; the peptide clears in seconds.
  • Label aliquots with reconstitution date and diluent.

SS-31 handling

  • Reach room temperature before opening.
  • Use low-bind labware and buffers at low working concentrations to limit adsorption of the cationic peptide.
  • Aliquot and refrigerate.

Both third-party tested

Every Popular Peptides batch of Ipamorelin and SS-31 is independently tested by HPLC and LC-MS with a published Certificate of Analysis. Enter a lot number to pull the COA for a specific vial.

Verify a batchPublished COAsHow we test

Ipamorelin reference

Full Ipamorelin reference Ipamorelin storage Ipamorelin reconstitution Ipamorelin calculatorIpamorelin product details

SS-31 reference

Full SS-31 reference SS-31 storage SS-31 reconstitution SS-31 calculatorSS-31 product details

Related comparisons

5-Amino-1MQ vs Ipamorelin5-Amino-1MQ vs SS-31CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs IpamorelinCJC-1295 (No DAC) vs SS-31CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin vs IpamorelinCJC-1295 + Ipamorelin vs SS-31DSIP vs SS-31Epitalon vs SS-31

Ipamorelin and SS-31 are supplied strictly as research chemicals for in-vitro laboratory and research use only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. This comparison summarizes published preclinical literature and laboratory handling data; it is not medical advice, not a claim of efficacy, and not usage guidance.