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Receptor Selectivity

Meaning

Receptor selectivity describes the ability of a drug, hormone, or signaling molecule to preferentially bind to and activate a specific receptor subtype over others within the same receptor family. This pharmacological property is a critical determinant of a therapeutic agent’s clinical profile, as high selectivity generally translates to more targeted action and a reduced incidence of off-target side effects. In hormonal health, agents are often designed to be highly selective for a particular estrogen or androgen receptor subtype to maximize desired tissue effects while minimizing unwanted actions in other tissues. This precision is key to optimizing individualized treatment.