Orexin-A vs Elamipretide

Head-to-head comparison of Orexin-A (Hypocretin-1 (Orexin-A)) and Elamipretide (Elamipretide (MTP-131, SS-31)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyOrexin-AElamipretide
CategoryCognitive EnhancementMuscle & Performance
Full NameHypocretin-1 (Orexin-A)Elamipretide (MTP-131, SS-31)
Molecular Weight3562 Da639.8 Da
Half-LifeMinutes to <1 hour1-4 hours
Amino Acids334
Typical DoseResearch-only; no validated human dose0.01-0.25 mg/kg/day
RouteIntracerebroventricular/IntranasalSubcutaneous/Intravenous
Purity≥98%≥98%
Studies Count42120
Research StatusPre-clinicalClinical

Orexin-A Benefits

  • wakefulness
  • attention
  • memory consolidation
  • fatigue resistance

Elamipretide Benefits

  • mitochondrial protection
  • reduced oxidative stress
  • improved fatigue resistance
  • may support exercise tolerance

Orexin-A Dosing

Research-only i.c.v. microgram/nanomolar studies|intranasal experimental use|no established human protocol

Elamipretide Dosing

0.01-0.25 mg/kg/day SC (clinical research)|daily dosing in trials|alternative IV protocols in some studies

Orexin-A Side Effects

  • insomnia
  • headache
  • blood pressure changes

Elamipretide Side Effects

  • nausea
  • injection-site reactions
  • diarrhea
  • headache

Research Overview

Orexin-A

Preclinical studies link orexin signaling to arousal, learning, and memory consolidation, making orexin-A a candidate for cognition-related research. It is not an approved cognitive enhancer and remains an experimental peptide.

Elamipretide

Clinical and translational studies show elamipretide can improve mitochondrial function and some functional endpoints in mitochondrial disorders. Skeletal muscle research suggests benefits are driven by energy metabolism rather than direct muscle-building effects.

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Common Stacking Partners

Orexin-A stacks with:

PRL-8-53Bromantane

Elamipretide stacks with:

creatinecoenzyme-q10protein
peptidewakefulnessmemorymitochondriafatigueenergy-metabolismperformance