Plain-English glossary
Receptor agonist
A receptor agonist is a molecule that binds a specific cellular receptor and activates it, producing a biological response that mimics the receptor's natural ligand. In research, agonists are contrasted with antagonists, which bind without activating; many studied peptides are characterized as agonists of a named receptor, and a molecule acting at several receptors at once is termed a multi-receptor agonist.
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Names you may come across
Retatrutide
A peptide investigated for its action at three hormone receptors involved in metabolism. Explore the specific clinical studies below.
Kisspeptin
A peptide involved in reproductive hormone signalling. The name covers forms with different chain lengths.
Ipamorelin
A peptide studied for its interaction with signals involved in growth-hormone release.