Cartalax (20mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Khavinson cartilage/connective-tissue peptide bioregulator (AED) — research-only; not approved, benefits unproven.
Mix & measure Cartalax · 20 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol’s recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Full reconstitution guide → · Advanced calculator →
Quickstart Highlights
Cartalax is a synthetic ultrashort peptide bioregulator — the tripeptide AED (Ala-Glu-Asp) — from Khavinson’s “cytogen” class, marketed as a cartilage / connective-tissue bioregulator[1][2]. This educational page outlines a once-daily subcutaneous approach with a dilution chosen so doses land on easy-to-read insulin-syringe marks. It is an unapproved research chemical, not a medicine, with no FDA/EMA approval and no registered human trials — presented for research and educational use only.
Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 20 mg vial → ~6.67 mg/mL (6,667 mcg/mL) for accurate, readable dosing.
2,000–5,000 mcg once daily, titrated upward gradually across a 12-week course. This is at the high end for this peptide class.
At ~6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 66.7 mcg; 2,000 mcg ≈ 30 units and 5,000 mcg ≈ 75 units on a U-100 syringe.
Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the solution.
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
Standard / Gradual Approach (3.0 mL = ~6.67 mg/mL)
Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 20 mg vial → final concentration ~6.67 mg/mL (6,667 mcg/mL).
Typical daily range: 2,000–5,000 mcg once daily, raised gradually over a 12-week course (high end for this class).
Easy measuring: At ~6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 66.7 mcg on a U-100 syringe. The 3.0 mL dilution keeps every dose at 30 units or more for excellent measuring accuracy.
Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
Frequency: one subcutaneous injection each day, titrating up as tolerated over the 12-week course. The 2–5 mg/day range here is at the high end for this peptide-bioregulator class; the syringe math is internally consistent, but the dose magnitude is not clinically validated[2]. These figures are an educational measurement framework, not approved human dosing.
Reconstitution Steps
Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe (per 20 mg vial).
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
The 3.0 mL dilution is deliberately large so each dose reads at 30 units or more, where U-100 syringe markings are most precise. Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course of once-daily injections with gradual titration.
At up to ~5 mg/day, a 20 mg vial covers about four days, so plan roughly five vials every two weeks.
- 8 weeks: ~10 vials
- 12 weeks: ~17 vials
- 16 weeks: ~24 vials
- Per injection: 1 syringe
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~56 syringes
- 16 weeks (once daily): ~112 syringes
Use ~3.0 mL per 20 mg vial for reconstitution.
- 12 weeks (17 vials): ~51 mL → 6 bottles
- 16 weeks (24 vials): ~72 mL → 8 bottles
One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per injection: 2 swabs
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~112 swabs → 1–2 boxes
Protocol Overview
A concise summary of the once-daily regimen, drawn from commonly cited reference protocols.
- ▪Goal: Provide clear syringe math for the AED tripeptide bioregulator, which is hypothesised to modulate fibroblast/chondrocyte activity in cell models — a theoretical mechanism, not demonstrated clinically[3][4].
- ▪Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks, optionally extended to ~16 weeks for longer research goals.
- ▪Dose Range: 2–5 mg per day with gradual titration — high end for this class; magnitude not clinically validated.
- ▪Reconstitution: 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 20 mg vial gives ~6.67 mg/mL for accurate unit measurements.
- ▪Storage: Keep the dry vial frozen at −20 °C (−4 °F); once mixed, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the solution.
Dosing Protocol
A suggested daily titration approach based on common reference doses.
- ▪Start: Begin at 2,000 mcg (~30 units) once daily to gauge tolerability.
- ▪Titrate: Increase by roughly 1,000 mcg every two weeks as tolerated for syringe readability.
- ▪Target: Reach about 4,000–5,000 mcg daily by weeks 5–12 (≤0.75 mL per SC site at this dilution).
- ▪Cycle Length: Typically 8–12 weeks; some references extend to ~16 weeks.
- ▪Timing: Inject at a consistent time each day and rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
- ▪Lyophilized: Hold the dry vial at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions and limit moisture exposure[7].
- ▪Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days; do not freeze the mixed solution, as freezing can denature peptides[8].
- ▪Handling: Let frozen vials warm to room temperature before opening so condensation won’t form, and keep the solution clear of heat and direct light.
- ▪Freeze–thaw: Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of the reconstituted solution.
Important Notes
Practical points that keep daily administration safe and consistent.
- ▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward.
- ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen, thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Slow injection: Push the plunger slowly and pause a few seconds before withdrawing the needle to prevent backflow.
- ▪Recordkeeping: Log the daily dose, injection site and any observations to keep the protocol consistent.
- ▪Regulatory note: Cartalax (AED) is not FDA/EMA-approved for human use; the WADA S0 (non-approved substances) catch-all applies to competitive athletes[2].
How This Works
Cartalax is a synthetic ultrashort peptide bioregulator — the tripeptide AED (Ala-Glu-Asp)[1][3]. It belongs to Khavinson’s “cytogen” class of short peptides and is marketed as a cartilage / connective-tissue bioregulator. (Note: AED is the tripeptide; it is distinct from the tetrapeptide AEDG/Epitalon.)
The proposed mechanism for ultrashort peptide bioregulators is cell penetration and direct interaction with DNA / regulatory regions, modulating gene and protein expression in target cells such as chondrocytes and fibroblasts[3][4]. This model is theoretical and extrapolated from cell-culture work — it has not been demonstrated clinically.
In vitro reports associate AED-related activity with increased collagen I expression and SIRT-family pathway activation in aging human fibroblasts[2], and short-peptide reviews place AED among motifs studied for chondrogenesis[5]. These are cell-model findings, not human outcomes.
Important caveat: there is no IND, no registered human trial, and no Phase 1–3 data for Cartalax (AED). Cartilage-repair, joint, and anti-aging benefits are speculative extrapolations from cell models and should be read as hypotheses, not established effects.
Cartalax is not an approved medicine. It is an unapproved research chemical presented here for research and educational purposes only.
Lifestyle Factors
Habits that may support recovery alongside the protocol.
- ▪Nutrition: Keep protein intake adequate to give tissue repair the building blocks it needs.
- ▪Activity & rest: Pair appropriate movement with real recovery time and avoid overtraining during an injury-recovery phase.
- ▪Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours to support the body’s natural repair processes.
- ▪Stress: Manage stress with evidence-based practices, since it influences overall healing.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
What cell-culture literature speculates; there is no human clinical evidence, and these benefits are unproven.
Potential Benefits
- ▪Connective tissue (cell models): AED is associated with increased collagen I expression and SIRT-1/-6 activation in cultured fibroblasts — a speculative, theoretical basis only[2][3].
- ▪Cartilage research (rationale): Short-peptide reviews list AED among motifs explored for chondrogenesis and osteochondral repair strategies — research context, not a proven benefit[5].
- ▪Tolerability (limited data): No controlled human tolerability data exist; any framing here is extrapolated from the broader ultrashort-peptide class.
- ▪Note on humans: These benefits are not established in humans — there are no registered or completed human trials of Cartalax (AED)[2].
Common Side Effects
- ▪Injection-site reactions: Mild redness, tenderness or soreness can occur; rotating sites helps.
- ▪Unknown long-term profile: Human safety data is limited, so caution and monitoring are advised.
- ▪Sport restriction: As a non-approved substance, Cartalax falls under the WADA S0 catch-all for athletes.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance.
Pre-Injection Preparation
- ▪Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- ▪Choose a site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully.
- ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
- ▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger.
- ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin).
- ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn’t needed.
- ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it’s fully down.
- ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
- ▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle.
- ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away.
- ▪Rotate the injection site each day to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides as a general supplier.
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
- ▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA.
- ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition.
- ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch.
- ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain.
- ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
References
- 1
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (PMC)Peptide regulation of chondrogenic stem cell differentiation; includes AED (Ala-Glu-Asp) among cartilage-related motifs.
- 2
Bulletin of Experimental Biology & Medicine (PubMed)AED peptide increased SIRT-1/-6 and collagen I synthesis in aging human fibroblasts (in vitro).
- 3
Molecules (PMC)Systematic review: short peptides (including AED) regulate gene expression and cellular differentiation programs.
- 4
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (PMC)Transport of biologically active ultrashort peptides via POT/LAT transporters; mechanistic uptake context.
- 5
Frontiers in Bioengineering & BiotechnologyReview of functional peptide motifs for cartilage tissue engineering and delivery systems.
- 6
CDC (PDF)Subcutaneous injection technique: 45° angle, site guidance, no aspiration for SC.
- 7
- 8
Advances in Therapy (PubMed)Subcutaneous injection factors and tolerability; practical volume considerations.
- 9
StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf)Medication routes of administration; cautions for large single-site SC volumes.
- 10
WHO / NCBI BookshelfBest practices for injections and related procedures; safety and asepsis principles.
How to reconstitute Cartalax
- 1Wipe the vial stopper and your bacteriostatic-water vial with an alcohol swab.
- 2Draw your chosen amount of bacteriostatic water and inject it slowly down the inner wall of the Cartalax vial.
- 3Let it rest, then gently swirl until fully dissolved — do not shake.
- 4Refrigerate the reconstituted vial and draw each dose with a U-100 insulin syringe.
Cartalax — frequently asked questions
How do I reconstitute a 20 mg vial of Cartalax?
Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab, then inject your bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Let it sit and gently swirl until dissolved — never shake. Store the mixed vial in the refrigerator and draw doses with an insulin syringe. Use the calculator above to turn any dose into syringe units.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to Cartalax?
There is no single correct amount — more water simply spreads the same 20 mg of peptide across a larger volume, which makes small doses easier to measure accurately. 1 to 3 mL per vial is typical. Enter your chosen volume in the calculator above to see the resulting concentration and syringe units.
What do the "units" on an insulin syringe mean?
On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equal 1 mL, so 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. The calculator above converts your draw volume into these units automatically so you can measure without doing the math by hand.
How should I store Cartalax after mixing?
Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at roughly 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, away from light, and avoid freezing it. Reconstituted research peptides are generally used within a few weeks. Always follow the specific guidance supplied with your product.
How many doses does a 20 mg vial of Cartalax provide?
Divide the vial strength of 20 mg by the amount you use per injection. The calculator above reports this as "doses per vial" the moment you enter a dose.
Is Cartalax approved for human use?
No. Cartalax is sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes and is not approved by the FDA or other regulators for human use. Everything on this page is research information, not medical advice — consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
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