Cartalax dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Oct 7, 2026. Editorial policy
Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp) developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Preclinical studies indicate it may modulate fibroblast proliferation markers (Ki-67), reduce pro-apoptotic signaling (p53, caspase-3), and support extracellular matrix homeostasis. Studied for connective tissue and cartilage health.
- Vial size: 20 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 6.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Connective Tissue
- Joint Health
- Cartilage Support
- Anti-Aging
- Tissue Repair
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to the 20 mg vial → 6.67 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 2–5 mg once daily (SC), titrated over 12 weeks
- Easy measuring: At 6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 67 mcg; 2 mg = 30 units, 3 mg = 45 units, 4 mg = 60 units, 5 mg = 75 units on a U-100 syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at 2–8°C (or −20°C long-term); refrigerate after mixing and avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 2000mcg | Once daily | 0.30mL |
| Weeks 3–4 | 3000mcg | Once daily | 0.45mL |
| Weeks 5–8 | 4000mcg | Once daily | 0.60mL |
| Weeks 9–12 | 5000mcg | Once daily | 0.75mL |
How it works
Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp) from the Khavinson bioregulator series, developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Like other short bioregulator peptides, it is proposed to penetrate cells and interact with chromatin, influencing the expression of genes related to a specific tissue, in this case cartilage and other connective tissues. In cell culture studies, including work on aging fibroblasts and chondrocyte-type cells, Cartalax was reported to increase markers of proliferation such as Ki-67, reduce markers associated with apoptosis and cellular aging such as p53 and caspase-3, and influence the production of extracellular matrix components. The proposed downstream effect is better maintenance of cartilage, ligaments and skin matrix, slowing age-related degeneration. The evidence is preliminary and comes largely from in vitro experiments and a small number of animal studies published by the originating research group. There are no large, independent, controlled human trials demonstrating joint or cartilage benefits, and the gene-regulation mechanism proposed for short peptides is not widely confirmed. Cartalax is not an approved medicine.
Units chart for a 20 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 2 mg | 3 mg | 4 mg | 5 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 20 mg/mL | 200 mcg | 10 units | 15 units | 20 units | 25 units |
| 2 mL | 10 mg/mL | 100 mcg | 20 units | 30 units | 40 units | 50 units |
| 3 mL | 6.67 mg/mL | 66.7 mcg | 30 units | 45 units | 60 units | 75 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
Pages for each vial size and water volume
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved (do not shake)
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light
Storage
Store lyophilized at 2–8°C or freeze at -20°C for long-term. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Important notes
- Research use only
- Khavinson bioregulator peptide — sequence corresponds to motif in alpha-1 chain of type XI collagen
- May modulate fibroblast proliferation and reduce markers of cellular senescence
- Preclinical data suggest MMP-9 inhibition and extracellular matrix support
- Limited human clinical trial data — protocol extrapolated from preclinical studies
- Generally well tolerated; occasional mild injection-site reactions may occur
Supplies
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes (U-100)
- Alcohol swabs