Comparison
DSIP vs. Elamipretide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
62568-57-4
736992-21-5
Molecular weight
848.81 g/mol
639.8 g/mol
Half-life
0.1 h
no data
Sequence
Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-GluD-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2Mechanism of action
DSIP
DSIP was described in 1977 by the Schoenenberger-Monnier group in Basel as a blood-borne substance reported to induce EEG changes similar to delta sleep in animal models. The exact mechanism remains undefined to this day: no defined receptor, proposed modulation of opioid, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. Most mechanistic findings stem from preclinical studies of the 1980s and 1990s and were later subjected to contested replication attempts.
Elamipretide
Elamipretide is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide with alternating aromatic and basic residues that selectively concentrates on cardiolipin — a phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane that is important for cristae curvature and the organisation of the respiratory-chain complexes. By binding cardiolipin, elamipretide is proposed to stabilise cristae architecture, support electron transport and ATP production, and reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species. These mechanistic models derive largely from cell and animal models and biophysical work; the extent to which they explain clinical efficacy in humans is, given the mixed trial results, a matter of ongoing research.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
1
4
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between DSIP and Elamipretide?
- DSIP is classified as "Research other", while Elamipretide is classified as "Research other". DSIP: Synthetic nonapeptide isolated in 1977 by Guido Monnier and Marcel Schoenenberger from the blood of rabbits in delta sleep. Despite the name, the role in sleep regulation is contested and not confirmed by Western RCTs in larger populations. Elamipretide: Elamipretide (SS-31, MTP-131, formerly Bendavia) is a synthetic, mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide (sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane and is proposed to stabilise cristae structure and support mitochondrial bioenergetics. It was investigated clinically by Stealth BioTherapeutics across several indications, including primary mitochondrial myopathy, Barth syndrome, heart failure, and dry age-related macular degeneration (geographic atrophy). The trial record is mixed, with several pivotal studies missing their primary endpoints. In September 2025 elamipretide (brand name Forzinity) received accelerated FDA approval in the United States solely for the ultra-rare Barth syndrome; for all other investigated indications it remains investigational and it is not approved as a medicine outside the United States. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, DSIP or Elamipretide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for DSIP and "Human RCT" for Elamipretide. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of DSIP and Elamipretide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: DSIP — Unapproved, Elamipretide — Unapproved. United States: DSIP — Unapproved, Elamipretide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.