Cartalax (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing of Cartalax, a peptide fragment studied for cartilage repair and joint health.
Quickstart Highlights
Cartalax dosage protocols center on this synthetic peptide derived from thymosin beta-4, studied for its potential to support cartilage repair, joint health, and tissue regeneration. As a tissue repair peptide, Cartalax may help maintain joint integrity and support connective tissue health.
- Reconstitute: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 5 mg/mL concentration
- Typical daily range: 2.5–5 mg once or twice daily (subcutaneous)
- Easy measuring: At 5 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 50 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within 2–4 weeks
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing
Subcutaneous Protocol (3 mL = 6.67 mg/mL)
| Phase | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–7 (Initiation) | 2000 mcg once daily | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Days 8–14 (Titration) | 3000 mcg once daily | 45 units (0.45 mL) |
| Days 15+ (Maintenance) | 5000 mcg once daily | 75 units (0.75 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously. Cartalax supports cartilage health with daily administration. Note: A single 20 mg vial provides approximately 4 days of research material at maintenance doses.
Reconstitution Steps
- Remove the vial from freezer storage (−20 °C / −4 °F) and allow to equilibrate at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved—solution should be clear (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light; use within 2–4 weeks.
How This Works
Cartalax is a synthetic peptide derived from thymosin beta-4, containing the active sequence responsible for tissue repair and regeneration. Thymosin beta-4 is a naturally occurring peptide that promotes cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Cartalax specifically targets cartilage and connective tissues.
Through promotion of cell migration and tissue regeneration, Cartalax may support cartilage repair, reduce joint inflammation, and maintain connective tissue integrity. Research suggests it may help protect against age-related joint degeneration and support overall musculoskeletal health.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from preclinical and early research literature.
- May support reductions in fat mass while preserving lean muscle in animal models
- Associated with elevated NAD+ levels and SIRT1 activation in preclinical studies
- Enhanced grip strength observed in aged mice when combined with exercise
- Generally well tolerated; occasional reports of mild headache, transient jitteriness, or injection-site reactions
- Long-term human safety data not established; this compound remains investigational
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources.
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
- Slow injection may minimize any stinging sensation associated with the compound.
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each administration; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; a mild stinging sensation may occur due to the quinolinium structure.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
- The 10 mg vial format is suited for short-term tolerance assessment; extended protocols require multiple vials.
Important Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This is not medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new research protocol.
References
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity View Source
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibition mitigates obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions View Source
NNMT: a novel therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome View Source