| Agonist | A molecule that activates a receptor; the response depends on the receptor system and experimental conditions. |
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| Allosteric modulator | A molecule that changes receptor activity through a site distinct from the primary ligand-binding site. |
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| Antagonist | A molecule that blocks or reduces receptor activation in the tested system. |
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| COA | Certificate of analysis: a report of specified tests on an identified sample or batch. |
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| Endpoint | The outcome measured in a study. A biomarker change may not establish a meaningful clinical outcome. |
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| HPLC | High-performance liquid chromatography: a separation method used in many analytical workflows. |
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| In vitro | An experiment performed outside an intact organism, such as in cells or a biochemical system. |
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| In vivo | An experiment performed in an intact organism. This does not necessarily mean a human study. |
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| Lyophilized | Dried through a freeze-drying process. The term describes a physical preparation, not purity or suitability for use. |
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| Mass spectrometry | An analytical method that measures mass-to-charge ratios of ions, often used with other methods for identity or quantitation. |
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| Peptide | A chain of amino-acid residues. Sequence, modifications and length are important to identity. |
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| Pharmacodynamics | The relationship between a compound’s exposure, its molecular interactions and its observed effects. |
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| Pharmacokinetics | How a compound’s exposure changes over time through absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. |
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| Preclinical | Research conducted before or outside a clinical evaluation in people, often involving laboratory and animal models. |
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| Preprint | A research manuscript made public before completing peer review. |
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| Primary study | An original report of experiments or observations, rather than a summary of other studies. |
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| Randomized trial | A study that assigns participants to comparison groups by chance. Randomization does not eliminate every source of uncertainty. |
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| Replication | Repeating an experiment to assess whether the finding can be reproduced. |
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| Salt / counterion | A chemical form that pairs a charged compound with an oppositely charged ion. Mass and material properties can differ between forms. |
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| Systematic review | A review using predefined methods to locate, select and assess research on a specified question. |
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| Vehicle control | A comparison condition containing the formulation vehicle without the test compound. |
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