Dictionary

Intrinsic activity is a term used in pharmacology to describe the ability of a drug or chemical to produce a biological response. It is a measure of the efficacy or potency of a drug, and it refers to the degree to which a drug can activate its target receptors or produce the desired therapeutic effect compared to the maximum possible effect of the drug.

Intrinsic activity is a key determinant of a drug’s efficacy, and it is often used to compare the potency of different drugs acting on the same receptor. Drugs with high intrinsic activity are highly effective at activating their target receptors and producing a biological response. In contrast, drugs with low intrinsic activity have less effect on their target receptors and are, therefore, less potent. Understanding intrinsic activity is important for drug discovery and development and for developing effective and safe treatments for various diseases and conditions.