Glossary Terms

Freeze-drying: the process that turns a liquid peptide into the dry powder you receive in a research vial, making it

Any molecule that binds to a receptor — includes both the body’s own hormones and drugs.A receptor may have multiple

Also known as: alpha-MSH fragment C-terminal alpha-MSH tripeptide studied for anti-inflammatory effects in gut and wound models. Preclinical evidence only.

A precise measure of how strongly a molecule grips a receptor — a lower number means tighter binding.Thermodynamic measure of

Research conducted in a living organism — a necessary step between cell culture and human trials.Latin: "in life." Animal (rodent,

Research done outside a living organism — in cell cultures, test tubes, or biochemical assays. Useful for understanding mechanism; insufficient

A needle injection directly into the gel-filled interior of the eye, performed by an ophthalmologist in a clinical setting —

The immune system’s immediate, non-specific first response to infection or injury — the rapid reaction that buys time while the

An FDA application that permits a company to start human clinical trials for a new compound.IND submission requires sufficient preclinical

A growth hormone produced mainly by the liver that drives most of GH’s tissue-building effects — the downstream mediator of