Elamipretide for Healthy Aging and Mitochondrial Function — VialBase Research
Trial Summary
Phase 2 trial investigating elamipretide for age-related decline in mitochondrial function. This represents a bold expansion from rare disease (Barth syndrome) to healthy aging, testing whether mitochondrial peptide therapy can slow or reverse aspects of biological aging. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging, and cardiolipin content declines significantly with age.
Design
- Type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Population: Healthy older adults (likely 60-80 years) without mitochondrial disease
- Arms: Elamipretide vs. placebo
- Duration: 12-24 weeks
- Key measures: Mitochondrial function (skeletal muscle biopsy ATP production, mitochondrial respiration), physical performance (6MWT, grip strength, gait speed), cardiolipin levels, oxidative stress markers, patient-reported energy/fatigue
Key Outcomes
Trial is recruiting; no results available yet.
Significance for Peptide Research
This trial is highly relevant to the longevity/anti-aging peptide space. If elamipretide improves mitochondrial function and physical performance in otherwise healthy older adults, it would validate mitochondrial-targeted peptides as geroprotective agents. This is a paradigm shift from treating mitochondrial disease to optimizing mitochondrial health in aging. Directly relevant to peptides in longevity medicine and mitochondria-targeting peptides. The results will inform whether elamipretide has a future beyond rare disease.
See Also
- Related compound: SS-31