Dose-Response Relationship
The correlation between the amount of drug administered and the magnitude of the resulting biological effect. Understanding the dose-response relationship is fundamental to determining the correct therapeutic dose. GLP-1 receptor agonists use dose titration schedules informed by dose-response data.
Technical Context
Dose-response curves are typically sigmoidal (S-shaped) when plotted on a semi-logarithmic scale. Key parameters include: ED50 (median effective dose), EC50 (median effective concentration), Emax (maximum effect), and Hill coefficient (curve steepness). For GLP-1 RAs, gastrointestinal side effects show a steeper dose-response curve at initial exposure than at steady state (explaining why titration reduces side effects), while weight loss and HbA1c reduction show dose-dependent improvements across the therapeutic range. Some peptides show bell-shaped dose-response curves (hormesis) where higher doses produce diminished effects due to receptor desensitisation or activation of opposing pathways.