Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp, also known as A-E-D peptide) is a short-chain bioregulator peptide developed from the research of Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It is part of the Khavinson peptide family of bioregulators, which are short peptides (2-4 amino acids) that interact with specific DNA sequences to regulate gene expression. Cartalax is classified as a cartilage and musculoskeletal bioregulator, targeting cartilage tissue, joint health, and the musculoskeletal system. It is used primarily for joint regeneration, cartilage preservation, and as part of anti-aging longevity protocols.
Notes
Cartalax is part of the Khavinson peptide bioregulator family, developed over 40+ years of research at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. These peptides are widely used in Russian clinical practice. Western clinical data is limited, but the safety profile from decades of use is reassuring.
Cartalax functions as a gene bioregulator that interacts with specific DNA promoter regions in cartilage cells (chondrocytes) and musculoskeletal tissue. Short bioregulator peptides like Cartalax can penetrate cell membranes and enter the nucleus where they bind to complementary DNA sequences, modulating transcription of genes involved in cartilage matrix synthesis, including collagen type II, aggrecan, and other proteoglycans. This peptide bioregulation concept, developed over decades of Russian gerontological research, proposes that these peptides restore youthful gene expression patterns in aging tissues, essentially "reminding" aged cells of their proper function. Cartalax also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties in cartilage tissue and may stimulate chondrocyte proliferation.
Short-chain peptides like Cartalax are rapidly absorbed after subcutaneous injection, with peak levels in 15-30 minutes. Oral bioavailability is relatively high for a peptide due to its small size (tripeptide), as dipeptides and tripeptides can be absorbed intact through intestinal peptide transporters (PepT1). Despite rapid plasma clearance, the gene regulatory effects are hypothesized to persist for weeks to months after a treatment course, which is why pulsed dosing protocols (10 days on, months off) are commonly used.
Typical Dose
Subcutaneous: 100-200 mcg per day. Oral capsules: typically 10-20 mg per day (standardized bioregulator preparations). Protocols often follow a 10-day course repeated every 3-6 months, or daily low-dose use for 1-3 months.
Frequency
Once daily for injection. Once or twice daily for oral capsules. Some protocols use a pulsed approach: 10 consecutive days, then off for 3-6 months.
Administration
Subcutaneous injection or oral capsules. Many Khavinson peptides are available in both forms. Oral bioregulator capsules are popular due to convenience, though injectable forms may provide more consistent absorption.
Half-Life
2-4 hours (estimated; short peptides have rapid plasma clearance, but gene regulatory effects persist)
Contraindications
No PCT required. Cartalax has no hormonal effects.