What is the difference between Cartalax and KGF-1?

Cartalax: Tetrapeptide bioregulator from cartilage tissue; stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis; normalizes gene expression in cartilage cells KGF-1: Binds FGFR2b (the KGF receptor), which is exclusively expressed on epithelial cells — providing tissue-specific action without mesenchymal effects.

Is Cartalax FDA approved?

Cartalax is not evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

Is KGF-1 FDA approved?

KGF-1 is FDA approved (FDA status current as of 2004-12-15). This regulatory status is provided for research and educational context only.

How is Cartalax administered in research settings?

In research settings, Cartalax is typically administered via the subcutaneous or oral routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

How is KGF-1 administered in research settings?

In research settings, KGF-1 is typically administered via the subcutaneous or topical routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

Home›Research›Compare›Cartalax vs KGF-1

Peptide Comparison

Cartalax vs KGF-1

Name: Cartalax vs KGF-1 — Per-mg Price Comparison
Creator: PeptideBase
License: https://peptidebase.io/terms

Both are Skin & Cosmetic peptides.

Cartalax

Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg

Skin & JointNot EvaluatedResearch Only

Half-life: Unknown

6 providers listed

Full Cartalax profile →

KGF-1

FGF-7

Skin & JointFDA ApprovedResearch Only

No providers listed yet

Full KGF-1 profile →

Bottom line

KGF-1 is FDA-approved, while Cartalax is not evaluated — the clearest structural difference between them.

Quick Verdict

Cartalax

Evidence

Preclinical

KGF-1

Evidence

Emerging Clinical

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Stronger clinical evidence	KGF-1
Further along in FDA review	KGF-1
Oral administration option	Cartalax
More provider options (6 vs 0)	Cartalax

Research summary only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before making any decisions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Cartalax

KGF-1

Mechanism Family

Skin & Cosmetic

Half-life

Unknown

—

FDA Status

not evaluated

approved

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, oral

subcutaneous, topical

Availability

Research Only

Providers

6 listed

None listed

FDA Update

—

Dec 2004

Avail. Notes

Russian joint/cartilage peptide bioregulator (Khavinson Institute). Not FDA-approved. Not on any FDA list. Research chemical in US.

—

Research Evidence

Cartalax

PreclinicalIn vitro · 1 key study · most recent 2023

KGF-1

Emerging ClinicalRCT · 1 key study · dated evidence base — most recent 2004

Research Citations

Cartalax

In vitro2023 · Advances in Gerontology

KE peptide regulates SIRT1, PARP1, PARP2 gene expression and protein synthesis in human mesenchymal stem cell…

KGF-1

RCT2004 · New England Journal of Medicine

Palifermin for oral mucositis after intensive therapy for hematologic cancers

About Cartalax

Tetrapeptide bioregulator from cartilage tissue; stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis; normalizes gene expression in cartilage cells

Research Areas

cartilage regenerationjoint repairchondrocyte function support

About KGF-1

Binds FGFR2b (the KGF receptor), which is exclusively expressed on epithelial cells — providing tissue-specific action without mesenchymal effects. Activates RAS/MAPK and PI3K/Akt to promote keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Extends the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.

Research Areas

wound healinghair growthkeratinocyte proliferationmucosal repairepithelial protection

Safety Profile

Information below reflects published research data only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before use.

Cartalax

No established clinical contraindications. This is an investigational compound with limited human data and has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety in this context. Consult a qualified clinician.

KGF-1

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.

Suggested Monitoring

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display monitoring guidance for this peptide.

Price (per mg)

Cartalax

$2.75/mg

$2.00 – $2.75 range

8 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

KGF-1

Not enough vendor pricing yet.

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

Cartalax

6 listed

Browse directory →

Providers offering

KGF-1

Browse directory →

PeptideBase lists providers for educational research purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before obtaining or using any peptide.

More Skin & Cosmetic Comparisons

Browse all peptides →

Educational research tools — not medical advice.

Cite this page

Data last updated July 27, 2026

Free to reference and republish with attribution to PeptideBase. Choose a format:

PeptideBase. (2026). Cartalax vs KGF-1 — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/cartalax/kgf-1

https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/cartalax/kgf-1 Methodology License Download JSON Download CSV