Cartalax vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
CartalaxAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- Cartalax is a tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson for cartilage and connective tissue. It is tissue-specific for chondrocytes and cartilaginous structures, supporting cartilage matrix synthesis, slowing degenerative changes, and promoting joint longevity. It is used in the context of osteoarthritis, joint aging, and athletic cartilage preservation.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Half-Life
- Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects are sustained
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Oral
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 10 mg per day
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Daily for 10–30 days
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- Supports cartilage matrix synthesis and maintenance
- May slow progression of osteoarthritic cartilage degradation
- Reduces chondrocyte apoptosis
- Promotes joint longevity in aging and high-impact sports
- Anti-aging effects on connective tissue
- Complementary to BPC-157 and TB-500 in joint recovery protocols
- Well tolerated in available human and animal research
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant adverse events reported at standard doses
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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