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On-Target Effects

Meaning

On-Target Effects refer to the intended, primary biological and physiological consequences that result from a therapeutic agent or endogenous hormone binding to its specific, designated receptor or interacting with its intended molecular pathway. In the context of hormonal health, these are the desirable, clinically relevant actions, such as testosterone binding to the androgen receptor to promote lean muscle mass or thyroid hormone stimulating basal metabolic rate. Differentiating these specific, beneficial effects from potential off-target effects is paramount for optimizing therapeutic protocols and maximizing the benefit-to-risk ratio in personalized medicine. The precise elicitation of on-target effects is the hallmark of effective and well-dosed hormonal intervention.