Plain-language definitions for the classifications, badges, and jargon used across the encyclopedia.
A U.S. regulatory category permitting state-licensed pharmacies to compound customized medications for individual patients on the basis of a valid prescription.
A molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response.
The molecular building block of peptides and proteins, consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain.
A molecule that binds to a receptor without activating it, blocking the receptor from being activated by its natural agonist.
Area Under the Curve — total drug exposure over time, calculated by integrating the plasma-concentration-versus-time curve.
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative, used to reconstitute lyophilized peptides for multi-dose use.
The fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation in unchanged form.
The volume of plasma cleared of a substance per unit time, typically expressed in mL/min or L/h.
The maximum plasma concentration of a drug after administration.
A specific situation in which a drug or procedure should not be used because it may harm the patient.
A trial design in which neither participants nor investigators know who is receiving the intervention or the control.
European Medicines Agency — the EU regulator responsible for the centralized authorisation procedure for medicines.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration — the U.S. regulator for food, drugs, biologics, devices, and cosmetics.
A synthetic peptide structurally similar to growth-hormone-releasing hormone, used to stimulate endogenous growth-hormone secretion.
A drug that activates the GLP-1 receptor, increasing insulin secretion and slowing gastric emptying.
The time required for the plasma concentration of a substance to decrease by half.
International Nonproprietary Name — the unique generic name assigned to a pharmaceutical substance by the WHO.
Injection directly into muscle tissue, typically in the deltoid, vastus lateralis, or gluteus.
Freeze-dried into a stable powder by sublimation under vacuum after freezing in solution.
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events — a composite endpoint typically combining cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke.
The molecular pathway by which a drug produces its therapeutic effect.
A drug that activates one or more melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R), with effects on pigmentation, energy balance, and sexual function.
Administration via the nasal mucosa, typically as a spray.
Administration by mouth, with absorption through the gastrointestinal tract.
Independent evaluation of a manuscript by domain experts before journal publication.
A short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, typically containing between 2 and 50 residues.
A large-scale clinical trial designed to confirm efficacy and monitor adverse events in the target population, typically the last step before regulatory submission.
An inert intervention given to a control group to isolate the specific effect of the active intervention.
A regulatory status requiring a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider before dispensing.
The principal outcome measure used to evaluate whether a clinical trial succeeded or failed.
Randomized Controlled Trial — a study design that randomly assigns participants to intervention or control groups to minimize bias.
A protein on a cell that binds a specific signaling molecule and triggers a cellular response.
The number of participants in a study, denoted n.
A substance that causes another substance to be secreted from a tissue or gland.
Injection into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Producing a combined effect greater than the sum of the individual effects.
Application to the skin or mucous membrane, with the active ingredient acting locally or absorbing into nearby tissue.