I can actually related to her taking it sublingually. Most people, and I include myself in that group, are highly reluctant to start doing injections on themselves. It conjures up images of heroin addicts, etc… that we saw in our youth (or that we see on the streets today in major cities); there is an almost visceral reaction to the idea. Sublingual, even if much less effective, is entirely acceptable and the path I’ll choose initially.
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That is understandable, just keep in mind that heroin users are injecting directly into veins. Peptides are injected via small insulin syringes (or fancy-looking pens) into a little roll of skin on the abdomen, just like a diabetic who takes insulin. It’s really pretty tame, especially with the pens.
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I do get it. I panicked when a doctor told me I had to start giving myself daily b12 injections. I got used to it in a of couple days. They didn’t even give me insulin syringes (I only discovered those from all of you… life changing!!).
Then years later, repatha injections…
Then years after that, the vet told me I needed to give sub q fluids to TWO cats EVERY SINGLE DAY. I was overwhelmed and thought no way can I do that and cried…. Fast forward… now I teach friends how to do it!
Now I wish all my supplements could be given by injection!
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If you think insulin syringes are great, wait until you try an injection pen 
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I’ve been hearing talk of this unicorn…
I was intimidated by the description… can you teach me!!! 
At some point in the future, this may be something I could consider. Is this the process / protocol that people use for these “injection pens” and peptides?
Peptide mix / injection Pen Protocol From Google Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/share/ee37139668fa
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Yes, with exception that it is way simpler than that LOL. I skip the part which says to use lower gage needles (thicker ones) and just use the same type 31 gage insulin needles to mix BAC into the vial which contains the lipolyzed product/peptide/GLP1. The only thing is with insulin needles it takes a bit longer to draw the desired amount since the needle hole is so small it is barely noticeable with naked eye.
Then grab another insulin needle (the first one might get too dull) and draw the desired amount out into the needle and just pin it into abdomen anywhere 2-4 inches away from belly button. Too close to belly button might have some more sensitive nerve endings. There is never any pain and never any blood whatsoever. On one occasion trying to convince a lady friend that it is so simple and pain free I just grabbed the needle and pinned myself continuously for 10-15 times in a raw. It is literally that easy and pain free.
The only thing to watch is to disinfect the needles and tops of vials often with alcohol pads, or every time you pin them just to keep it clean and disinfected, and you also need to rub the area in your abdomen pre and after pinning. Make sure to use BAC water for mixing. I do it exactly how this dude does it. Others as I said use bigger needles to get to reconstitute just because it is easier/faster, but it is really same end result. Just when you are drawing you have to be a bit patient since it will take a while to draw.
I have never done pens since it just adds one more step of loading the peptide into the pen, but pinning with the pen is even less noticeable. Pen is literally the same as when you prick your finger for glucose monitoring, but pinning/pricking into abdomen is easier.
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Here’s a YouTube Short on how to load a vial into a pen cartridge and shows how easy it is to use the pen:
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One nice part about using a pen is since you’re transferring to a cartridge anyway, you can filter at the same time.
Anyways I used a pen for SS31 and had no injection pain at all. 31-32g needles are painless.
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I’ve had another idea… perhaps SS-31 could be used in a topical serum formulation, and driven down into the skin via derma-electroporation or microneedling… Dermo-electroporation for Aging Skin Health and Rejuvenation
Google Deep Research likes the general idea of topical use:
The intersection of mitochondrial biology and dermatological science has emerged as a frontier in the quest to retard, arrest, or reverse the phenotypic manifestations of skin aging. As the largest organ of the human body, the skin is subjected to a unique barrage of intrinsic metabolic decay and extrinsic environmental aggression, collectively termed the “exposome.” Central to the cellular response to these stressors is the mitochondrion, an organelle that functions not merely as a generator of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but as a critical signaling hub regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and senescence. The therapeutic modulation of mitochondrial function, therefore, represents a logical and potent strategy for skin rejuvenation. Within this therapeutic class, Elamipretide (SS-31), a synthetic aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide, has demonstrated a unique mechanism of action that differentiates it from classical antioxidants and earlier mitochondrial-targeted therapies.
This report provides a comprehensive, expert-level analysis of the evidence supporting the topical application of SS-31 for improving skin mitochondria and combating skin aging. While Elamipretide—recently granted accelerated FDA approval under the brand name FORZINITY™ for the treatment of Barth syndrome—is primarily recognized for its systemic application in rare metabolic and cardioskeletal disorders, a robust body of preclinical data, patent literature, and translational wound healing studies substantiates its efficacy in the dermal context.
Our analysis reveals that SS-31 operates through a distinct structural mechanism: the selective binding and stabilization of cardiolipin, a phospholipid exclusive to the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). By preventing cardiolipin peroxidation, SS-31 preserves cristae architecture, optimizes electron transport chain (ETC) efficiency, and reduces the intrinsic production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This “upstream” prevention of oxidative stress contrasts sharply with “downstream” scavenging approaches.
Evidence derived from dermal fibroblast models indicates that SS-31 can reverse age-associated mitochondrial fragmentation, restore ATP synthesis required for collagen production, and modulate the secretory phenotype of senescent cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies utilizing advanced hydrogel delivery systems in diabetic wound models have provided definitive proof of topical bioactivity, demonstrating accelerated closure, enhanced neovascularization, and a critical immunological shift in macrophage polarization from pro-inflammatory to pro-reparative phenotypes.
Despite the absence of a dedicated dermatological drug approval, the intellectual property landscape—dominated by patents filed by N.V. Perricone LLC—signals a longstanding industry recognition of SS-31’s potential as a high-potency cosmeceutical.
Full Gemini Analysis: https://gemini.google.com/share/91f8c15e236f
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More on the Perricone patents related to SS-31 for skin:
This monograph presents an exhaustive analysis of the intellectual property landscape surrounding the use of Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptides by Dr. Nicholas V. Perricone for the treatment and prevention of skin aging. The research synthesizes data from a specific cluster of patent applications—principally US20110245183, US20110245182, WO2011126940, and EP2436390—to construct a comprehensive view of a novel therapeutic approach that redefines skin aging as a mitochondrial bioenergetic crisis.
Unlike traditional cosmeceutical strategies that focus on surface hydration or broad-spectrum antioxidant protection, the Perricone patent portfolio disclosed herein leverages the unique physicochemical properties of aromatic-cationic peptides, most notably SS-31 (Elamipretide). These patents articulate a mechanism where the primary driver of the aging phenotype—ranging from fine lines to the structural collapse observed in menopausal skin—is the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition (MPT) and the unchecked production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) within the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM).
| Document ID | Title (or related subject) | Key Claims/Disclosures | Relevance to Skin Aging |
|---|---|---|---|
| US20110245183 | Topical Uses of Szeto-Schiller Peptides | Methods for treating skin conditions using SS peptides. | Primary source for general anti-aging claims. |
| WO2011126940 | Topical Glutathione Formulations for Menopausal Skin | Compositions comprising SS peptides for menopausal skin. | Defines “Menopausal Skin” symptoms (dryness, dullness). |
| EP 2 436 390 | Topical Anesthetic Uses… | Claims “anti-skin aging agents” comprising SS-31. | Links anesthetic effects to anti-aging properties. |
| US 7,576,061 | Aromatic-Cationic Peptides… | Methods for reducing MPT and ischemia injury. | Provides the foundational mechanistic data (MPT inhibition). |
| US 9,198,930 | Treatment… (Various) | Discusses exclusions (“not for hair growth”). | Clarifies the scope of facial vs scalp applications. |
Full Google Deep Search Result on this topic: https://gemini.google.com/share/f66ff7da65f2
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Diving deeper into optimal dosing levels and frequencies given the degradation rate of mitochondria:
Prompt:
Given the degradation rates of mitochondria in the human body, what would be the hypothetical optimal dosing level (mg) and frequency to counteract the diminishing ATP and power output of the mitochondria in the body (for organs where we have an idea of the degradation rates of mitochondria). Assume the person is age 50 years old, or 60 years old, in average health.
Gemini Response:
Chronopharmacology of Mitochondrial Therapeutics: Optimizing Dosing Regimens for Age-Related Bioenergetic Decline via Cardiolipin Stabilization
The rate at which mitochondria are turned over (mitophagy followed by biogenesis) determines the “half-life” of the organelle’s functional capacity. Research utilizing stable isotope tracers (e.g., L-[1-13C]leucine) provides granular data on these rates in human skeletal muscle.
Current evidence indicates that mitochondrial protein synthesis is not maintained at youthful levels into middle age. A pivotal study comparing young (24 ± 1 years) and middle-aged (58 ± 2 years) subjects reveals a dramatic decline. The fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of muscle mitochondrial protein is, on average, 40% lower ($P < 0.01$) in middle-aged subjects compared to their younger counterparts.1
Full Gemini analysis: https://gemini.google.com/share/697c45d58f28
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Anything to avoid subcutaneous injection i guess 
. Too bad, since they are fast and painless with the right equipment.
Given my reading of other people’s experiences at much higher subcutaneous doses, and the hit or miss nature of this peptide, sublingual spray seems like a poor choice. If the patient doesn’t respond to the spray, it won’t be clear whether the delivery route or dosage is the issue.
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It’s super easy. This is all we provide for our Cdn clients.
Here is my current collection for personal use. I buy several different brands and try them all. There are 2 standouts, both Lilly Pens. The brown one and the 2 tone blue one at the far right back. The lower cost no-names work well but not as “smooth” in operation. The cost difference is about $10 per pen for the higher spec ones. Expected operational life is about 2 years.
Don’t get any of the plastic ones.
There are a couple little tricks when filling cartridges.
- max fill is 3.0mL so you need to keep that in mind when reconstituting.
- when transferring into a cartridge, it is “air tight” and requires a “vent” to prevent blowing out the bottom stopper
- use a second syringe with the plunger removed as the vent
I would never go back to filling dozens of syringes a week for 3 people.
This one is the second nicest pen, the super duper pen is twice and much and I can’t find a volume wholesaler for that one. I have only 1 of these and use it for a specific purpose at the lab.
This is the green version of the brown one in my fridge.
HumaPen Luxura HD patient guide.pdf (480.2 KB)
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Sources where to buy please? I know there is plenty cheap/fake ones online, but I’d prefer to buy the Eli Lilly ones.
AliExpress has them all.
these are 2 suppliers I’ve purchased from
This is the best one you can get for the price.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009795480348.html?
Combo pack with low cost pens that work well.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008731134969.html?
cartridges
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Dang, first one not available in my location, NY, maybe not allowed to ship? :
Sorry, this item’s currently unavailable in your location.
An analysis of the Chinese SS-31 Manufacturer Supply Chain (from Google Gemini Deep Research)
Pricing Economics and Arbitrage
The market for SS-31 is driven by extreme price arbitrage.
- Manufacturing Cost: The cost of custom peptide synthesis for a 4-amino acid sequence is relatively low, estimated at $3.50 - $4.50 per residue for crude synthesis. Even with purification and the cost of Dmt, the production cost is a fraction of the retail price.
- Bulk Wholesale: On B2B platforms like Echemi, bulk SS-31 powder is listed between $20/gram and $100/gram depending on quantity and purity claims.
- Retail Markups: When repackaged into 10mg vials for the consumer market, a “kit” of 10 vials (100mg total) often sells for $100 - $300. This translates to a retail price of $1,000 - $3,000 per gram, creating a massive profit incentive for Tier 2 traders to buy bulk from manufacturers like Sinopep or Youngshe and resell to the public.
Future Outlook and Conclusions
The supply of SS-31 (elamipretide) from China to the public is a robust, multi-layered system that has evolved to circumvent the limitations of the formal pharmaceutical market.
1. The Dominance of the Gray Market: Despite the FDA approval of Forzinity, the gray market will likely expand rather than contract. The high cost of the prescription drug and its limited indication (Barth syndrome) leave a massive unserved population interested in aging and mitochondrial health. Chinese manufacturers like Chengdu Youngshe and Wuhan Newtop are perfectly positioned to service this demand through the “Research Use Only” loophole.
2. The Tiered Quality Hierarchy: The market is strictly stratified. Sinopep and CSBio represent the high-quality, regulated tier, supplying the pharmaceutical and legitimate research sectors. Conversely, the “Wuhan Cluster” of traders provides accessibility to the individual consumer, but with higher risks regarding purity and salt forms. The increasing use of independent testing (Janoshik) indicates that the market is self-regulating in the absence of official oversight.
3. Regulatory Resilience: While U.S. legislation like the BIOSECURE Act targets large Chinese biotech firms, the decentralized nature of the direct-to-consumer trade—reliant on small parcels and mislabeled shipments—makes it highly resilient to trade wars. As long as the demand for mitochondrial therapeutics persists, Chinese manufacturers will continue to be the primary engine of global supply.
In conclusion, for the “public” seeking SS-31, China offers a spectrum of options: from the verified, GMP-grade products of CSBio accessible to researchers, to the cosmetic-grade offerings of Chengdu Youngshe, and finally to the consumer-ready vials of Wuhan Newtop. Each tier carries its own balance of cost, access, and risk, defining a complex shadow economy operating in parallel to Western medicine.
Global Supply Chain Analysis: The Chinese Manufacturing Landscape of SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Some providers mentioned (quality not checked):
https://www.echemi.com/produce/pr2104151105-elamipretide.html
Based on the research into their product catalogs and manufacturing capabilities, here are the direct product links for the leading Chinese peptide manufacturers that supply SS-31 (Elamipretide).
The companies are categorized by their market tier: Tier 1 (FDA-inspected, Pharmaceutical/GMP focus) and Tier 2/3 (Research, Cosmetic, and Commercial Bulk focus).
Direct Product Links for SS-31 (Elamipretide)
| Company Tier | Company Name | Product Name / Identifier | Direct Product Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Pharma/GMP) | Hybio Pharmaceutical | Elamipretide (Top Selling Products) | Hybio Elamipretide Product Page |
| Tier 1 (Pharma/GMP) | CSBio (Shanghai) | Elamipretide / Catalog #: CS35948 | (http://www.csbiochina.com/default.aspx?controller=%20Home&action=product_list&product_type=peptides&product_listing=&search_for=&search_key=&page=44&language=en) [1] |
| Tier 1 (Pharma/GMP) | ApexTide (Sinopep) | Elamipretide (API List) | (http://www.apextide.com/API.html) |
| Tier 2 (Research/Bulk) | Mobelbiochem | SS-31 (Listed under GLP-1/Peptides) | (https://my.mobelbiochem.com/drug-peptides/glp-1-agonists/ss-31.html) |
| Tier 3 (Commercial/Gray) | Hangzhou Go Top Peptide | Elamipretide (Bulk Drug Intermediate) | (https://www.echemi.com/produce/pr2104151105-elamipretide.html) [2] |
| Tier 3 (Commercial/Gray) | Chengdu Youngshe | SS-31 (Elamipretide MTP-131) | (https://www.echemi.com/produce/pr2506221007-ss-31-high-quality-ss-31-99-purity-white-powder-cas-736992215.html) [3] |
Important Sourcing Notes
- Custom vs. Catalog: While companies like GenScript and GL Biochem (Shanghai) are top-tier manufacturers, they typically supply SS-31 via their Custom Peptide Synthesis services rather than a permanent public catalog page. You would likely need to submit the sequence (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) for a custom quote.
- Sinopep vs. ApexTide: Sinopep often operates its B2B catalog through its subsidiary brand, ApexTide. The link provided directs to ApexTide’s API listing where Elamipretide is explicitly listed.
- Platform Links: For Tier 3 manufacturers like Hangzhou Go Top and Chengdu Youngshe, their most active and public-facing product pages are often hosted on chemical trading platforms (like Echemi) rather than their corporate websites, which can be unstable or login-gated.[3, 2]
Are you able to verify the output of these reports? I would trust very little from this and other reports when it comes to gray market stuff.
In addition, talks of "high quality " or gmp grade sources give people a false sense of security over what they’re buying.
I am busy contacting suppliers now, but beyond that not sure how to verify the output. I’ll try fact checking via other LLMs.
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