Cartalax, also known by its tripeptide designation AED (Ala-Glu-Asp) and the developmental code T-31, is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator with the molecular formula C12H19N3O8 and an approximate molecular weight of 333.3 g/mol. Developed at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Cartalax was designed based on peptide fractions associated with cartilaginous tissue. Its three-amino acid sequence, Ala-Glu-Asp, shares the AED core motif found in the longer tetrapeptide bioregulators Epithalon (AEDG), Cortagen (AEDP), Cardiogen (AEDR), and Bronchogen (AEDL), representing the minimal tripeptide unit within this structural series. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, Cartalax is associated with chondrocyte gene expression and cartilage matrix signalling pathways.

Cartalax is a tripeptide bioregulator within the Khavinson framework. In mesenchymal stem cell preparations, the tripeptide modulated the expression of genes governing chondrogenic differentiation and cellular metabolic activity, including upregulation of IGF1 and NFκB and effects on TNKS2 within Wnt-associated signalling relevant to cartilage formation [1]. In a parallel in vitro model of mesenchymal stem cell ageing in culture, AED was reported to increase IGF1 gene expression approximately 3.5- to 5.6-fold alongside modulation of FOXO1, TERT, TNKS2 and NFκB, the expression of which otherwise declined with culture ageing [2]. At the whole-animal level, in aged rats, AED administration was associated with altered renal morphofunctional [3], making Cartalax a reference compound in preclinical connective-tissue and cellular-ageing research examining chondrogenic differentiation, regulation of IGF1 and associated gene expression, and morphofunctional changes in aged tissue.

Cartalax is manufactured in a cGMP compliant, ISO9001 certified laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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