Epitalon
Epithalon · pineal tetrapeptide
Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide. Not FDA-approved; evidence is largely preclinical.
Also known as · Mitochondrial peptide
SS-20
Synthetic mitochondria-targeting peptide. Not FDA-approved; evidence is preclinical.
What it is
SS-20 is a peptide from the SS (Szeto-Schiller) family of mitochondria-targeting peptides developed by the same research program that produced SS-31. In laboratory studies, it was reported to accumulate in mitochondrial inner membranes. SS-20 is not FDA-approved for any use in the United States.
Mechanism of action
Proposed mechanisms come from laboratory and animal research and are thought to be similar to those reported for SS-31: targeting of the mitochondrial inner membrane, interaction with cardiolipin, and effects on electron transport chain function.
Clinical evidence
Research on SS-20 specifically is limited to laboratory and animal studies. Most attention in the SS peptide family has focused on SS-31 (elamipretide) due to its clinical development program. Well-controlled human trials establishing the effectiveness and safety of SS-20 are lacking.
Why we don’t prescribe it at The Tide
The Tide does not prescribe or offer SS-20. It is an experimental compound that has not been evaluated in human clinical trials.
Side effects and contraindications
Human safety has not been established, and long-term effects are unknown. Products sold outside regulated channels (for example, as “research peptides”) may vary in purity, dose, and sterility.