Zeitschrift für Zelluläre und Molekulare Pharmakologie

Abstrakt

Spare Receptors and Drug Design Maximizing Therapeutic Benefit

Branca Vlaming

The landscape of drug design is undergoing a transformative shift with the recognition of spare receptors, challenging the traditional paradigm of full receptor occupancy for maximal therapeutic efficacy. Spare receptors, also known as constitutive activity or receptor reserve, represent a reservoir of untapped potential in drug development. This article explores the role of spare receptors in pharmacodynamics, emphasizing their impact on cellular signaling pathways and the opportunities they present for maximizing therapeutic benefit. By reconceptualizing the relationship between receptor occupancy and biological response, spare receptors offer a nuanced understanding that can lead to more targeted and efficient drug design. The discussion navigates through the challenges and opportunities associated with spare receptors and envisions their role in shaping the future of precision medicine and personalized drug therapies.