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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

Cartalax Dosing Protocol: 20 mg Vial — Cartilage & Bone Bioregulator Guide

Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu tetrapeptide) Russian cartilage and bone bioregulator dosing guide — chondrocyte and osteoblast gene normalization for joint health.

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Quickstart highlights

Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu) is a tetrapeptide bioregulator developed by Khavinson for cartilage and bone tissue.

  • Concentration: 2 mg/mL (20 mg vial + 10 mL bac water, in portions).
  • At 2 mg/mL: 200 µg = 10 units daily for 10 days.
  • Cartalax targets chondrocyte/osteoblast gene expression normalization.
  • Combine with BPC-157 for synergistic joint repair — different mechanisms, complementary targets.
  • One 20 mg vial: 100 doses at 200 µg/day — 10 complete 10-day courses possible.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-2 (10-day course)20010Once daily (evening)200 µg — 10 units; 10-day intensive course; one 20 mg vial = 100 doses
Maintenance20010Every other day200 µg EOD — chronic joint health maintenance

Reconstitution steps

  1. Draw 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water per reconstitution batch (5 mg); inject slowly down vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake.
  3. Final concentration: 2 mg/mL. At 2 mg/mL: 200 µg = 10 units.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days.

Supplies needed

10_day-week plan

  • 1 vial
  • 10 syringes
  • 2 mL bac water
  • 10 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Normalize chondrocyte and osteoblast gene expression in aging or arthritic cartilage and bone through the Cartalax tetrapeptide bioregulator, using the standard 10-day intensive course protocol.

Off-cycle: 4–6 months between intensive courses.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store below 25 °C. Reconstituted at 2 mg/mL: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days.

Injection & tracking tips

  • Inject subcutaneously in the evening for overnight cartilage repair support.
  • Often combined with BPC-157 or TB-500 for synergistic joint repair in clinical peptide protocols.
  • For osteoarthritis: cycle 10-day courses every 4–6 months alongside physical therapy.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • WOMAC osteoarthritis index every 4 weeks for joint pain and function assessment.
  • Track pain numeric rating scale (NRS 0–10) for target joint daily.
  • MRI or ultrasound of target joint at baseline and 6 months for structural assessment if available.
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How this works & references

Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu) is a tetrapeptide bioregulator developed by Khavinson for cartilage and bone tissue. Russian bioregulator research indicates organ-specific peptide accumulation in target tissues — Cartalax preferentially distributes to chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Proposed mechanisms: normalization of collagen type II and proteoglycan gene expression in chondrocytes; restoration of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase expression in aging osteoblasts; reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) gene expression in synoviocytes. Published predominantly in Russian literature from the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation.

Sources

  • Source: Khavinson VK et al. — Peptide bioregulators in prevention of age-related disorders. Gerontology. 2011

Frequently asked questions

How does Cartalax differ from BPC-157 for joint repair?
BPC-157 promotes tendon and soft tissue repair via VEGFR2/nitric oxide and FAK-paxillin pathways — primarily angiogenic and fibroblast-activating. Cartalax targets chondrocyte gene expression normalization — specifically collagen type II and proteoglycan synthesis in articular cartilage. They address different aspects of joint health: BPC-157 for periarticular soft tissue, Cartalax for intra-articular cartilage matrix.
Can Cartalax reverse established osteoarthritis?
No published clinical trial evidence for osteoarthritis reversal exists for Cartalax. Based on the bioregulator mechanism (gene expression normalization), it is proposed to slow progression and improve cellular function in remaining chondrocytes rather than regenerate heavily degraded cartilage. Early to moderate OA may benefit most.
Is Cartalax better injected locally (intra-articular) or systemically (SC)?
Khavinson's bioregulator research describes systemic subcutaneous injection as sufficient for organ-specific tissue accumulation. Intra-articular injection would provide higher local concentration but requires joint access skill and carries infection risk. Systemic SC injection is standard for compounding protocol use.
How long does it take to see joint pain improvement from Cartalax?
Russian clinical experience reports joint comfort improvements beginning 2–4 weeks after a 10-day Cartalax course, with continued improvement over 3 months. The mechanism (gene expression normalization, collagen matrix improvement) requires time for structural protein synthesis — not an acute analgesic.
Can Cartalax be combined with Cortagen (spinal cord bioregulator) for back pain?
Yes — combining Cartalax (for intervertebral disc cartilage) with Cortagen (for spinal cord neuroprotection) is a logical dual approach for degenerative disc disease with associated neuropathic pain. Both are administered at 200 µg/day during their respective 10-day courses, typically sequentially rather than simultaneously.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.

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