Peptide Profile
Cartalax
Chondroprotective tripeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp) that activates chondrogenic differentiation through SOX9/COL2A1/aggrecan upregulation, reverses senescence-associated secretory phenotype in aging chondrocytes, and provides geroprotective effects through SIRT-6 upregulation and p16/p21/p53 suppression
Dose Range
2-5mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Oral (capsule)
Cycle Length
12+ weeks
Onset
Gradual (3-4 weeks)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C12H19N3O8
Molecular Formula
333.3 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Short plasma half-life typical of tripeptides (minutes to hours); biological effects persist for weeks to months through epigenetic gene regulation; metabolized to constituent amino acids
Half-Life
Orally bioavailable via intestinal peptide transporters (PepT1/PepT2, LAT1); 10-fold more potent than crude cartilage polypeptide complex at chondrogenic activation (200 vs 2000 ng/mL effective concentration)
Bioavailability
Not yet registered (research compound)
CAS #
87815447
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1990s-2000s (part of the Khavinson cartilage/connective tissue bioregulator research program)
Cartilage Therapeutics
Cartilage Therapeutics Inc.
Primary Benefits
Cartalax directly addresses the molecular hallmarks of connective tissue aging through SASP reversal (p16, p21, p53 normalization), SIRT-6 upregulation, MMP-9 inhibition, and IGF1 stimulation (3.5-5.6 fold) — providing comprehensive geroprotective activity in the musculoskeletal system at the gene expression level via DNA minor groove interaction
Activates chondrogenic differentiation from stem cells by upregulating SOX9 (master regulator), type II collagen, aggrecan, and COMP at 10-fold greater potency than crude cartilage extracts — while simultaneously reducing cartilage-degrading MMP-9 and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1α to shift the metabolic balance from destruction to regeneration
Stimulates IGF1 gene expression by 3.5-5.6 fold and modulates irisin (a telomere-elongating myokine), providing hormonal support for tissue growth and cellular rejuvenation pathways that complement the direct cartilage repair mechanisms
Amino Acid Sequence
KGDG-X-KGDGDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
2-3 mg once daily
Begin with the conservative starting protocol. Oral capsules taken before breakfast with water. The AED tripeptide is absorbed by intestinal peptide transporters (PepT1/PepT2). Effects are gradual — cartilage repair mechanisms take weeks to produce functional improvements. Do not expect pain relief during the initial period; Cartalax is not an analgesic.
Standard Dose
4-5 mg daily (divided doses)
Standard clinical protocol. In Russian clinical practice, typical protocols use 20-day courses with intervals of 3-6 months. Can be combined with conventional OA treatments (physical therapy, joint support supplements). The epigenetic effects (SASP reversal, SIRT-6 upregulation) persist beyond the active treatment period. Track joint function, stiffness, and mobility to assess response over weeks to months.
Advanced Dose
6 capsules daily (as used in clinical studies)
Clinical study protocol used in Russian OA patients ages 52-72. Combined with conventional osteoarthritis treatment. This higher dose was used alongside standard therapy for patients with significant musculoskeletal pathology. Often combined with complementary Khavinson bioregulators: Sigumir for joint/bone support, Ventfort for vascular health, and Vilon for immune function. Repeat courses every 3-6 months.
Timing
Best time to take
Take Cartalax at the same time each day for consistent blood levels. Morning dosing with breakfast is often preferred, but follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
With food?
Cartalax can typically be taken with or without food. Taking it with a light meal may help reduce any GI discomfort. Avoid taking with grapefruit juice or high-fat meals unless specifically directed.
If stacking
Cartalax should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Cartilage regeneration and protection in age-related osteoarthritis
Cartalax is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on cartilage regeneration and protection in age-related osteoarthritis. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Connective tissue repair and maintenance in aging individuals
Cartalax is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on connective tissue repair and maintenance in aging individuals. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Geroprotective therapy targeting the SIRT-6/senescence axis in musculoskeletal tissue
Cartalax is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on geroprotective therapy targeting the sirt-6/senescence axis in musculoskeletal tissue. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Complementing conventional osteoarthritis treatments with bioregulatory peptide therapy
Cartalax is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on complementing conventional osteoarthritis treatments with bioregulatory peptide therapy. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Known hypersensitivity to peptide bioregulators or constituent amino acids (alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid)
- ×Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient reproductive safety data
- ×Active joint infection — treat infection before initiating peptide bioregulator therapy
- ×Malignant bone or cartilage tumors — proliferative effects of peptide bioregulators may be contraindicated
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Cartalax use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Cartalax in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
Cartalax is administered Oral (capsule)—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Cartalax formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Cartalax (polypeptide complex from bovine cartilage) has not undergone formal FDA approval or rigorous clinical safety trials. The safety profile is based on traditional use in Russia and Eastern Europe as a cartilage extract supplement, with limited published safety data. As a complex mixture of polypeptides, collagens, and proteoglycans, the actual active components and their pharmacology are undefined, making toxicity prediction impossible. Potential allergic reactions to bovine proteins exist, and contamination risks from source animal tissues cannot be ruled out without pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.
Evidence consists of observational clinical use in Russian medical practice spanning several decades and a small number of open-label clinical studies without proper controls. No preclinical toxicology studies, Phase 1 dose-escalation data, Phase 2 efficacy trials, or Phase 3 confirmatory studies exist. Published research is primarily in Russian-language journals and lacks rigorous methodology by modern standards.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Mild injection site reaction
Pain, redness, or slight swelling at the subcutaneous injection site when injectable form is used. Common with peptide injections.
Management: Rotate injection sites. Apply cold compress if needed. Resolves spontaneously within 24-48 hours.
Mild GI discomfort
Slight nausea or stomach discomfort with oral capsule administration, particularly on an empty stomach.
Management: Take with a small amount of food. Consider sublingual form to bypass the GI tract.
Mild fatigue
Slight fatigue during the initial days as the body adjusts to epigenetic gene expression changes in connective tissues.
Management: Usually resolves within 3-5 days. Rest as needed.
Transient joint stiffness
Temporary increase in joint stiffness as cartilage repair processes initiate and the tissue remodeling balance shifts from catabolism to anabolism.
Management: Gentle movement and stretching. This may indicate active tissue repair. Should improve as the treatment course progresses.
Less Common
- •Temporary increase in joint discomfort
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Cartalax
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Cartalax should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !High-dose NSAIDs chronically — may mask the gradual improvements from Cartalax and some evidence suggests chronic NSAID use can impair cartilage repair - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Immunosuppressive medications without medical guidance — Cartalax has immunomodulatory effects through cytokine regulation - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Corticosteroid joint injections immediately preceding Cartalax treatment — local immunosuppression may impair the peptide's bioregulatory effects - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Cartalax. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Days 1-10
What you might notice
- •No significant joint changes initially — epigenetic cartilage repair takes weeks to manifest
- •Possible mild initial side effects (GI discomfort, fatigue, transient stiffness) that resolve
- •The AED tripeptide is binding DNA minor groove sequences and beginning to shift gene expression
- •SASP reversal is starting: p16/p21/p53 suppression and SIRT-6 upregulation are underway
What's normal
- •Cartalax works at the gene expression level — functional improvements require time for protein synthesis and tissue remodeling
- •SOX9 and cartilage matrix gene activation are beginning during this period
- •MMP-9 inhibition is starting to slow cartilage degradation
- •No pain relief expected yet — Cartalax is not an analgesic
What's next
- →Continue the full treatment course (10-20 days)
- →Track joint function, stiffness, and mobility for comparison over coming weeks
- →Anti-inflammatory cytokine effects (TNF-α, IL-1α reduction) are building
Week 2-6
What you might notice
- •Gradual improvement in joint stiffness, particularly morning stiffness
- •Improved mobility and range of motion as cartilage repair processes mature
- •Reduced joint inflammation as TNF-α and IL-1α levels normalize
- •Better tolerance for physical activity involving affected joints
What's normal
- •Chondrogenic differentiation markers (SOX9, COL2A1, aggrecan) are established and driving matrix production
- •SIRT-6 upregulation is supporting cellular longevity in cartilage tissue
- •IGF1 stimulation (3.5-5.6 fold) is promoting tissue growth and repair
- •Improvements build gradually as new cartilage matrix components are synthesized
What's next
- →Benefits continue to develop after the treatment course ends
- →Cartilage remodeling is a slow tissue process — improvements may continue for months
- →Plan the next course in 3-6 months to reinforce and extend structural benefits
Month 2-6 (inter-course period)
What you might notice
- •Sustained improvements in joint function from persistent epigenetic changes
- •Ongoing cartilage matrix production from activated chondrogenic programs
- •Reduced progression of osteoarthritis symptoms
- •Benefits may gradually plateau, indicating readiness for the next treatment course
What's normal
- •Epigenetic modifications persist beyond the active treatment period
- •Cartilage tissue turnover is slow — structural benefits accumulate over time
- •Cyclical treatment every 3-6 months is the standard Khavinson approach
- •Each subsequent course builds on tissue improvements from previous treatments
What's next
- →Begin the next Cartalax course after 3-6 months
- →Consider combining with Sigumir for additional musculoskeletal support
- →Maintain physical therapy and joint-friendly exercise alongside bioregulator therapy
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Cartalax over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"The influence of peptides on the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells during replicative aging"
Myakisheva SN, Linkova NS, Diatlova AS, 2023
Finding: Cartilage-building peptides like cartalax activate chondrocytes and boost collagen production, helping stem cells repair damaged joint cartilage and potentially treating osteoarthritis.
View Study"Chondrocytes secretory phenotype associated with aging: role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and prospects for peptide bioregulation"
Myakisheva SN, Linkova NS, Kozhevnikova EO, 2023
Finding: Research (2023) on cartalax contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Peptide Regulation of Chondrogenic Stem Cell Differentiation"
Linkova N, Khavinson V, Diatlova A, 2023
Finding: Research (2023) on cartalax contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cell aging cultures: modulation by short peptides"
Ashapkin V, Khavinson V, Shilovsky G, 2020
Finding: Research (2020) on cartalax contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Tripeptides slow down aging process in renal cell culture"
Khavinson VKh, Tarnovskaia SI, Lin'kova NS, 2014
Finding: Research (2014) on cartalax contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions