Cartalax
What it is
Cartalax is a synthetic ultrashort peptide with the amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp (AED). It belongs to the family of tissue-targeted peptide bioregulators developed by Vladimir Khavinson's group at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
Research context and categorization
Cartalax is grouped under the Khavinson bioregulator category, and more specifically among the cartilage and connective-tissue peptides. Its sequence corresponds to segments reported in collagen chains associated with cartilage, which is the basis for its tissue-specific framing.
In neutral research terms, Cartalax is commonly discussed in relation to chondrocytes, the cells that build and maintain cartilage. It has been investigated in preclinical and laboratory settings in the context of cartilage-related gene expression, extracellular matrix components such as type II collagen and aggrecan, and cellular aging markers. It is also studied in the context of the broader anti-aging and tissue-repair conversation that surrounds the Khavinson peptide series.
These uses are investigational. Cartalax is examined mainly in laboratory and animal-model settings, and the effects described in that literature are not confirmed, established, or approved outcomes in humans.
Status
- Regulatory status: Research-only, not FDA-approved. It is treated as an experimental research compound in most countries and is not approved for medical use.
- Sport status: Not specifically listed on the WADA Prohibited List by name. Note that anti-doping rules include catch-all provisions covering substances without current human therapeutic approval, so an unapproved research peptide can still fall within broader screening considerations.
Reconstitution notes (general)
Lyophilized peptides are prepared by adding bacteriostatic water to the freeze-dried powder. The working concentration equals the milligrams of peptide in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, the same amount of powder in a smaller volume yields a higher concentration, while a larger volume yields a lower one. A reconstitution calculator is available at our reconstitution and blend calculators to work out the volume for a target concentration.
Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)
Cartalax is most often supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution, commonly in vials of around 10 mg to 20 mg, and it is sometimes offered in an oral capsule form as well. If you are working with a capsule or another non-lyophilized presentation, it is not reconstituted and these mixing steps do not apply.
For the powder form, bacteriostatic water is the usual diluent. Reported preparations for a 20 mg vial span a range, for instance roughly 2 mL of water for a more concentrated mix near 10 mg/mL, or a larger volume such as 4 mL for a more dilute, easier-to-measure solution near 5 mg/mL. The choice of water volume is generally about how the material will be measured rather than about any solubility limit. There is no Cartalax-specific published reconstitution or stability study, so these ranges reflect general short-peptide practice rather than validated data for this compound.
As a small, hydrophilic tripeptide, Cartalax dissolves readily and typically goes into solution as a clear, colorless liquid, without the gelling or persistent cloudiness sometimes seen with larger or more lipophilic peptides. Add the water slowly down the inside wall of the vial rather than jetting it onto the powder pellet, and swirl gently instead of shaking hard, which can foam the solution. Give it a minute or two to fully dissolve. A finished solution that stays cloudy or shows visible particles is a sign to discard rather than use.
Handling and storage
Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, kept out of direct light. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab before each access, and label the vial with the mix date so the age of the solution is always visible. A refrigerated window of roughly four weeks is a common general reference for reconstituted peptides. Discard the vial if the contents turn cloudy or discolored, or if visible floaters or particles appear. Keep any unopened lyophilized powder cold as directed and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Related reading
Tools and supplies
- Reconstitution & blend calculators
- Bacteriostatic Water 30 ml
- Gansulin Metal Reusable Pen
- 3 ml Glass Cartridges (10-pack)
- Complete Starter Kit
For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.