Pharmacology & biology
Agonist
Also known as: receptor agonist · agonists
A molecule that binds a receptor and activates it, producing the same kind of response as the body’s own signal.
In plain terms
A full agonist produces the maximum response the receptor can give. A partial agonist binds and activates, but tops out lower — which can be useful when you want a milder or more sustained effect.
Almost every peptide marketed for metabolic or growth-hormone purposes is an agonist of something. Reading the receptor named in "GLP-1 receptor agonist" tells you more about what a drug will do than its brand name does.
Compounds where this comes up
Educational reference only. Pepperz does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescribing guidance, or dosing recommendations.