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Mitochondria-targeted peptides and small molecules — SS-31 (FORZINITY), MOTS-c, 5-Amino-1MQ, and the ERR agonist SLU-PP-332 — studied for energy metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Peptides and small molecules in this category act on mitochondrial function.
SS-31 (elamipretide; trade name FORZINITY, developed by Stealth BioTherapeutics) is a tetrapeptide that targets and stabilizes cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, preserving cristae architecture and electron transport chain efficiency. It received FDA approval in 2025 for Barth syndrome, a rare cardiolipin-remodeling disorder.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome, rather than by nuclear DNA. It activates AMPK and regulates metabolic homeostasis in models of obesity, insulin resistance, and aging.
SLU-PP-332 is an ERRα/β/γ (estrogen-related receptor) agonist developed at Saint Louis University; it increases mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle. 5-Amino-1MQ is an inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) studied for its effects on adipose and muscle NAD+ pools. Both are small molecules rather than peptides, but are catalogued here because their mechanisms of action sit squarely within mitochondrial and energy-metabolism research.
Only elamipretide holds regulatory approval; the other members are research-use-only.