Cartalax
Aliases: Ala-Glu-Asp · AED (cartilage)
Last verified: 2026-09-24
The short version
Cartalax belongs to the 'bioregulator' family — tripeptides for which one institution claims to be tissue signals. The classic pattern: a few older publications with statistically modest samples, no independent replication, no RCTs. Unlike Epitalon, there is at least biological plausibility here (three-amino-acid peptides can have cell effects in culture), but the path from chondrocyte culture to 'treating human joints' is longer than any available study travels. Risk is low; evidence is even lower.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- bioregulator peptide
- Sequence / structure
- Ala-Glu-Asp (3 aa)
- Molecular weight
- ~375 Da
- Origin
- Synthetic tripeptide from the Soviet/Russian bioregulator program (St. Petersburg).
Mechanism of action
A tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp) from the Khavinson bioregulator program; claimed to act as a 'signaling' peptide that modulates chondrocyte differentiation and collagen II synthesis — publications come mostly from the same author group.
not confirmed in humans
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
No approved official document exists.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
Rarely used outside the former Soviet sphere; appears in communities among older users with joint complaints, with stories of 'mild improvement' — without objective measures.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
No approved protocol exists. Cartalax is a research peptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp) with no registered drug product in any major market.
Duration: —
Chondrocyte-differentiation and collagen-II claims come mostly from the originating author group; no standardized trial data.
Community (anecdotal)
5–10 mg SC daily for 10–15 days, or 1–2 mg orally per the program pattern.
- Cycle:
- 1–2 courses per year, repeated.
- Break:
- Months between courses.
Follows the program-pattern variant of the shared course structure; only the cartilage/joint targeting claim distinguishes it from the rest of the series.
Human evidence
No controlled human trials; only small reports from the same source claiming an effect.
Preclinical evidence
Limited and independently unverified: cell cultures and aged-animal models from one group.
Known risks
- No significant adverse effects documentedcharacterized
- Opportunity cost: delaying real joint treatmenttheoretical
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Everything — no independent human data
Frequently asked questions
References
- Khavinson group publications on cartilage peptide bioregulators (single-source literature)