Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction with elamipretide (SS-31) improves skeletal muscle performance in a HFpEF rat model
Vahle B, Weidner S, Tomalka A, et al. (2026). Circulation: Heart Failure.
Summary
A rat study of elamipretide in a model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The model showed lower cardiolipin, weaker muscle contraction, titin hyperphosphorylation and fibre atrophy. In treated rats, whole-muscle and single-fibre contractile function and titin phosphorylation improved, atrophy was prevented, and mitochondrial function improved. The authors describe cardiolipin stabilisation as the key modulator. The study was in rats.