Cartalax
Also known as: Peptídeo articular
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Bioregulatory tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson for joint and cartilage health support. With a molecular weight of 333.29 Da, it acts on gene expression regulation of cartilaginous tissue, promoting chondroprotection and maintenance of joint integrity.
The main interest around Cartalax is chondroprotection: stimulation of proteoglycan and type II collagen synthesis, modulation of articular inflammatory processes, and support for cartilage maintenance. It is a short, low molecular weight peptide used in cycles as an adjunct in early joint wear or post-effort recovery contexts.
It has no approval as a medicine by the FDA, EMA, or ANVISA. In the peptide market it circulates via compounding pharmacies and specialized suppliers of Russian-school peptides, with subcutaneous or intramuscular administration. An oral capsule version also exists. The typical protocol is 10-20 days, repeated 2-4 times per year.
It is part of the family of short bioregulatory peptides developed by Vladimir Khavinson's group in St. Petersburg. International clinical evidence is limited and most publications come from Russian-language literature.
Within the Khavinson family, Cartalax is the member aimed at cartilaginous tissue — it differs from the other citogens less by overall mechanism (tissue- specific gene expression regulation) and more by its proposed target tissue: cartilage, rather than thymus (thymalin/vilon), prostate (prostamax), or lung (bronchogen). All of this comparative literature is largely Russian and preclinical.
AED Ala-Glu-Asp Half-life
~2-4 hours
Administration Route
Subcutaneous or intramuscular
Category
Healing & Recovery
Mechanism of Action
- Regulation of gene expression in cartilaginous tissue
- Chondroprotection and cartilage integrity support
- Stimulation of proteoglycan and type II collagen synthesis
- Modulation of articular inflammatory processes
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 1-2 capsules orally (0.2 g per capsule, containing AKS-4 peptide complex) |
| Frequency | 1-2 times daily, with meals |
| Timing | With meals |
| Duration | 10-30 days per cycle, repeat the course every 4-6 months |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Injection site pain
- Local redness (rare)
Product Properties
| Purity | >95% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Very stable short peptide — tolerates brief temperature excursions. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Cartalax found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per vial
- Slowly inject the diluent against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Cartalax.
Related Peptides
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BPC-157
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GHK-Cu
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LL-37
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MGF
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