A molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response.
Contrasted with antagonists, which block receptor activation. Full agonists produce the maximal response; partial agonists produce a sub-maximal response even at full receptor occupancy. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Compounds where this term is relevant
- Semaglutide · GLP-1 receptor agonist · once-weekly subcutaneous
- Tirzepatide · Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist · once-weekly subcutaneous
- Bremelanotide · Melanocortin (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R) receptor agonist · on-demand subcutaneous
Related terms
- Antagonist · A molecule that binds to a receptor without activating it, blocking the receptor…
- Receptor · A protein on a cell that binds a specific signaling molecule and triggers a cell…
- Mechanism of action · The molecular pathway by which a drug produces its therapeutic effect.
- GLP-1 agonist · A drug that activates the GLP-1 receptor, increasing insulin secretion and slowi…