The Need To Improve Reporting of the Pharmacological Action of New Molecules

The molecular characterization of bioactive molecules, for example, small molecules targeting G-protein-coupled receptors, is evolving in complexity, impacting the meaning of terms like agonist, antagonist, and selective, which, in the absence of detailed definitions and scientific consensus, can be sources of confusion in the literature. We discuss this issue and offer straightforward solutions to it.

Automated summary

The molecular characterization of bioactive molecules, such as small molecules targeting G-protein-coupled receptors, is becoming more complex, which affects the meanings of terms like agonist, antagonist, and selective. In the absence of detailed definitions and scientific consensus, these terms can cause confusion in the literature. We discuss this issue and offer straightforward solutions.