Cartalax
Also called AED; Ala-Glu-Asp; Kartalax
A three-amino-acid bioregulator peptide studied in cartilage cells and cellular aging. Lab findings are interesting, but there is no solid evidence it repairs cartilage or treats osteoarthritis in people.
Overview
What it is
A synthetic tripeptide of alanine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid. It is not collagen or a stem-cell treatment, and it is different from multi-peptide cartilage extracts.
How it works
In 2023 lab studies, it increased cartilage-related genes and proteins (SOX9, aggrecan, type II collagen, COMP) in aging stem cells, and changed aging markers (p16, p21, p53, Sirt1) in cartilage cells. A 2020 study found effects depended on the gene and model, including increased NF-kappa-B, an inflammation-related gene.
What the research shows
A 2023 review describes clinical use, but the published details are not enough to judge randomization, comparison groups or adverse events. No independently replicated human trial was identified.
Studied for
- Cartilage gene and protein expressionlab
- Aging markers in cartilage cellslab
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
No human side-effect rate, interaction, pregnancy or long-term data exist. "Made from amino acids" is not a safety guarantee.
Regulatory status
Not approved by the FDA for any use.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Cartalax (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 20 mg Cartalax
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 6.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 66.67 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Typical range
- 2,000–5,000 mcg daily with gradual titration.
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16 weeks.
Standard / Gradual Approach
| 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) |
How to mix
- 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.
Dosing details
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Administration technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
Important notes
- 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.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does Cartalax increase collagen?
It raised type II collagen-related activity in lab cells, which is narrower than building functional cartilage.
Is it the same as a cartilage peptide complex?
No. AED is one defined peptide; a complex contains many.
What should I do about joint pain?
Get a diagnosis. Established osteoarthritis care includes exercise or physical therapy, weight management, medications and sometimes surgery.
Related in Performance and Recovery
Sources and further reading (5)
- Myakisheva SN, et al. Chondrocyte secretory phenotype and peptide bioregulation. Adv Gerontol, 2023.
- Myakisheva SN, et al. Peptides and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs during replicative aging. Adv Gerontol, 2023.
- Ashapkin VV, et al. Gene expression in aging MSC cultures modulated by short peptides. Mol Biol Rep, 2020.
- NIAMS. Osteoarthritis: diagnosis and treatment.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).