SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide prescribed by Dr. Katherine Ortiz at DNA Wellness and Longevity Institute. It works by binding directly to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane — supporting cellular energy production, reducing oxidative stress, and addressing fatigue at its mitochondrial source rather than masking symptoms.
Why patients choose us
All protocols supervised by
Dr. Katherine Ortiz I-MD, Ph.D., PA-C, M.M.S., ABAAHP
Protocol built from your bloodwork, not a template
Serving Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero & Fort Myers
Treatment Overview
Physician-Supervised
Naturally Derived from Gastric Protein
150+ Preclinical Studies
✓ FDA Review: July 2026
Bonita Springs, FL
What Is SS-31?
SS-31 is a four–amino acid peptide developed at Cornell University, designed to concentrate specifically in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Unlike general antioxidants, it binds directly to cardiolipin — a phospholipid that scaffolds the mitochondria's energy-producing machinery — helping mitochondria generate ATP more efficiently and with less oxidative byproduct.
This mechanism is what separates SS-31 from broader "energy support" compounds like NAD+ or CoQ10 derivatives: it doesn't simply supply raw material for energy production, it stabilizes the structure that energy production depends on. Because mitochondrial decline is a documented driver of age-related fatigue, slower recovery, and reduced exercise tolerance, SS-31 has become one of the more closely watched compounds in longevity and recovery medicine.
SS-31 is administered as a subcutaneous injection, with dosing and frequency determined individually based on your labs, symptoms, and goals. Dr. Ortiz typically introduces SS-31 as part of a broader protocol rather than a standalone therapy — often alongside hormone optimization or other regenerative peptides depending on the underlying pattern in your bloodwork.
How It Helps
By improving mitochondrial ATP output, SS-31 is most commonly used by patients experiencing persistent fatigue not explained by sleep, thyroid, or other standard causes — particularly when mitochondrial decline is suspected as a root contributor.
Athletes and active patients use SS-31 to support recovery between training sessions and reduce the cumulative cellular stress associated with high training volume.
Mitochondrial function is one of the most consistently studied markers of biological aging. As part of a longevity protocol, SS-31 is used to support cellular resilience alongside hormone, nutrient, and lifestyle optimization.
BPC-157's most replicated and mechanistically robust finding — documented across dozens of studies since 1993 — is its cytoprotective effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It protects and heals the gastric and intestinal mucosal lining from injury caused by NSAIDs, ethanol, stress, and inflammatory disease. Preclinical studies demonstrate healing of gastric ulcers, intestinal fistulas, and anastomotic sites, as well as meaningful anti-inflammatory effects in models of inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Critically, BPC-157 survives oral ingestion intact — meaning it can be taken by mouth and act directly on gut tissue, which is pharmacologically unusual for a peptide. This property is precisely why ulcerative colitis is the primary proposed indication driving its current FDA compounding review.
Your Journey
Step 01 — Consultation & Lab Review. Your first appointment includes a full review of your fatigue pattern, energy levels, training load (if applicable), and relevant labs. Dr. Ortiz evaluates whether SS-31 fits your clinical picture or whether another peptide or root-cause issue should be addressed first.
Step 02 — Personalized Protocol. Based on your evaluation, Dr. Ortiz prescribes your SS-31 dosing schedule and injection protocol, sourced through a licensed compounding pharmacy.
Step 03 — Monitoring & Integration. SS-31 is frequently integrated into broader protocols. Dr. Ortiz schedules follow-ups to assess your response and adjust your protocol as needed.
Questions Answered
Q1: What is SS-31 most commonly used for?
SS-31 is primarily used for patients experiencing fatigue, slow exercise recovery, or seeking mitochondrial and cellular-aging support as part of a broader longevity protocol.
Q2: How is SS-31 different from NAD+ or other energy peptides?
NAD+ and similar compounds supply raw material that mitochondria use to produce energy. SS-31 works differently — it binds cardiolipin to stabilize the mitochondrial membrane structure itself, supporting more efficient energy production with less oxidative stress. The two approaches are often complementary rather than interchangeable.
Q3: Can SS-31 be combined with other peptide therapies?
Yes. SS-31 is frequently paired with other protocols at DNA Wellness depending on your goals. Dr. Ortiz reviews everything you're taking to ensure a safe, integrated approach.
Q4: How long does it take to notice results from SS-31?
Response time varies by individual and goal. Patients using SS-31 for fatigue often report initial changes within the first few weeks of consistent use, with continued improvement over a longer protocol.
Q5: Is SS-31 peptide therapy available in Bonita Springs and Southwest Florida?
Yes. DNA Wellness and Longevity Institute, located at 36800 Tamiami Trail, Suite 380 in Bonita Springs, offers SS-31 therapy to patients throughout Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, and surrounding Southwest Florida communities. Call (239) 250-7930 to schedule your consultation.
Dr. Katherine Ortiz is the founder of DNA Wellness and Longevity Institute in Bonita Springs, FL. She is a board-certified Physician Associate and holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine from Quantum University, with fellowship training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and the University of South Florida in functional and regenerative medicine.
Her practice is built on a foundational belief: that the body has an extraordinary capacity to heal and self-regulate when given the right support. Dr. Ortiz investigates root causes — hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, genetic factors — and builds individualized protocols designed to restore function and optimize long-term health.
Every protocol at DNA Wellness is ordered, reviewed, and monitored directly by Dr. Ortiz.