Quickstart Highlights
Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator (Ala‑Glu‑Asp; sequence “AED”) developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology[1]. Preclinical studies indicate it may modulate fibroblast proliferation markers (Ki‑67), reduce pro‑apoptotic signaling (p53, caspase‑3), and support extracellular matrix homeostasis[2][3]. Note: Published human posology for subcutaneous Cartalax is limited; this framework extrapolates from available preclinical and observational data for educational purposes only.
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~6.67 mg/mL concentration.
- Example daily range: 2,000–5,000 mcg once daily (gradual titration).
- Easy measuring: At 6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 66.7 mcg on a U‑100 insulin syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) or freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long‑term; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational framework for reconstitution and daily dosing
Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~6.67 mg/mL)
Route & Frequency: Subcutaneous, once daily. Evidence note: Specific human RCT posology for SC Cartalax is limited; this schedule references preclinical fibroblast/chondrocyte studies and general SC technique guidance[2][8].
| Week/Phase | Daily Dose (mcg / mg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 2,000 mcg (2.0 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 3,000 mcg (3.0 mg) | 45 units (0.45 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 4,000 mcg (4.0 mg) | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 5,000 mcg (5.0 mg) | 75 units (0.75 mL) |
This schedule uses the largest practical dilution (3.0 mL) to keep per‑injection volumes within typical SC tolerability parameters (≤~1.0 mL per site)[9][10].
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Insert needle through the stopper; let the diluent run slowly down the vial wall to avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8–16 week daily protocol with gradual titration (average ~3.5 mg/day).
-
Peptide Vials (Cartalax, 20 mg each):
- 8 weeks ≈ 10 vials
- 12 weeks ≈ 15 vials
- 16 weeks ≈ 20 vials
-
Insulin Syringes (U‑100):
- Per week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- 8 weeks: 56 syringes
- 12 weeks: 84 syringes
- 16 weeks: 112 syringes
-
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- 8 weeks (10 vials): 30 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
- 12 weeks (15 vials): 45 mL → 5 × 10 mL bottles
- 16 weeks (20 vials): 60 mL → 6 × 10 mL bottles
-
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- 8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
- 12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
- 16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100‑count boxes
Protocol Overview
Concise summary of the once‑daily regimen.
- Goal: Support connective‑tissue homeostasis and fibroblast function based on preclinical bioregulator research[2][3].
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks (extend to 16 weeks if desired).
- Dose Range: 2,000–5,000 mcg daily with gradual titration.
- Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 20 mg vial (~6.67 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
- Storage: Lyophilized: refrigerate or freeze; reconstituted: refrigerate; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Dosing Protocol
Suggested daily titration approach.
- Start: 2,000 mcg daily; increase by ~1,000 mcg every 2 weeks as tolerated.
- Target: 4,000–5,000 mcg daily by Weeks 5–12.
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16 weeks.
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide quality.
- Lyophilized: Store at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) or freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long‑term stability; protect from light and moisture[11].
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
- Evidence caveat: Published human clinical trial data for subcutaneous Cartalax is limited; this protocol extrapolates from preclinical studies and standard peptide handling practices.
How This Works
Cartalax (Ala‑Glu‑Asp) is classified among the Khavinson bioregulatory peptides—ultrashort peptides that may interact with DNA and modulate gene expression at nanomolar concentrations[1][4]. The peptide sequence corresponds to a motif found in the alpha‑1 chain of type XI collagen, a structural protein important for cartilage integrity[5]. In preclinical fibroblast and chondrocyte culture models, Cartalax has been reported to upregulate Ki‑67 (a proliferation marker), increase SIRT‑1/SIRT‑6 expression, reduce p53 and caspase‑3 activity (pro‑apoptotic signals), and inhibit MMP‑9 synthesis (an enzyme linked to extracellular matrix degradation)[2][3][6].
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from preclinical literature.
- May support fibroblast proliferation and reduce markers of cellular senescence in aged cell cultures[2][3].
- Preclinical data suggest modulation of extracellular matrix homeostasis via MMP‑9 inhibition and collagen‑related gene expression[6].
- General tolerability: Khavinson bioregulator peptides have been described as well tolerated in observational settings; occasional mild injection‑site reactions (redness, itch) may occur with subcutaneous administration[1].
- Limitations: No large‑scale human RCTs; most data derive from in vitro or rodent models.
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies for best outcomes.
- Support joint and connective‑tissue health with adequate protein, vitamin C, and collagen precursors.
- Combine low‑impact exercise and mobility work to reinforce musculoskeletal adaptations.
- Prioritize sleep and stress management to support tissue repair and recovery.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best‑practice resources[8][12].
Important Note
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.