Cartalax
Also known as: Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro, Khavinson cartilage peptide, Cartilage bioregulator
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.
Half-Life
Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects are sustained
Route
SubQ, Oral
Category
Anti-Aging & Longevity
Studies
5 references
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
Mechanism of Action
Cartalax penetrates chondrocyte nuclei and modulates gene expression of cartilage-specific proteins including collagen type II and proteoglycans. By normalizing protein synthesis in cartilage cells, it supports extracellular matrix production and maintenance, reduces chondrocyte apoptosis, and counteracts age-related and mechanical degradation of articular cartilage. Its amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro is homologous to cartilage tissue proteins, providing tissue specificity.
Dosing Protocols
Standard Khavinson Protocol
- Dose
- 10 mg per day
- Frequency
- Daily for 10–30 days
- Timing
- Subcutaneous injection or oral (enteric-coated)
- Cycle
- 10–30 day course, repeated 2–4x per year
Often combined with BPC-157, TB-500, and other Khavinson bioregulators in joint longevity protocols. Research use only.
Calculate your draw volume
Enter your vial size and BAC water to get exact injection volumes
Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant adverse events reported at standard doses
Contraindications
Not FDA approved. Not a replacement for standard osteoarthritis therapies. Limited long-term human trial data.
Storage
Store at 2–8°C. Protect from moisture and light.
Clinical Research
- 1.Gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cell aging cultures: modulation by short peptides
Ashapkin V, Khavinson V, Shilovsky G, Linkova N, Vanuyshin B · Molecular biology reports · 2020PubMed Verified
- 2.Effect of short peptides on neuronal differentiation of stem cells
Caputi S, Trubiani O, Sinjari B, Trofimova S, Diomede F, Linkova N et al. · International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology · 2019PubMed Verified
- 3.Peptide Regulation of Skin Fibroblast Functions during Their Aging In Vitro
Lin'kova NS, Drobintseva AO, Orlova OA, Kuznetsova EP, Polyakova VO, Kvetnoy IM et al. · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2016PubMed Verified
- 4.Peptide Regulation of Cells Renewal Processes in Kidney Tissue Cultures from Young and Old Animals
Chalisova NI, Lin'kova NS, Nichik TE, Ryzhak AP, Dudkov AV, Ryzhak GA · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2015PubMed Verified
- 5.Peptidergic regulation of thymocyte differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis during aging of the thymus
Lin'kova NS, Polyakova VO, Trofimov AV, Kvetnoy IM, Khavinson VKh · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2011PubMed Verified
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any protocol.
Was this page helpful?
Launching soon
Build and track your protocol in Staqk
Log doses, track timing, monitor biomarkers, and manage every compound in your stack — all in one place.