Agonist
A molecule that binds a receptor and triggers its activity — most therapeutic peptides are agonists of a specific endogenous receptor.
Definition
An agonist binds a receptor and activates the downstream signalling pathway, mimicking or amplifying the endogenous ligand. GLP-1 receptor agonists, GHRH analogs and melanocortin agonists all belong to this category. Agonist potency is characterised by two parameters: binding affinity (how tightly it binds) and intrinsic activity (how strongly it activates the receptor once bound).
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Antagonist
A molecule that binds a receptor and blocks its activation — used therapeutically to silence an over-active signalling pathway.
PeptideGLP-1 Receptor AgonistGLP-1 RA
A peptide drug class that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 to slow gastric emptying, sharpen insulin response and quiet food-noise.
MechanismReceptor Binding
The molecular interaction between a drug and its receptor — the first step in pharmacodynamics and the determinant of specificity.
$149 panel.
A clinician reads it in 24 hours.
Order the Peptide Readiness Panel, draw at a Quest or LabCorp near you, and your clinician sends back a matched protocol with a confidence score.