A comprehensive glossary of terms used in peptide research, manufacturing, regulation, and clinical practice.
Filed under glossary tools, written for beginner, patient-consumer, researcher.
Not medically reviewed. Last updated 2026-04-25. Nothing here is medical advice.
This glossary provides definitions for key terms and acronyms commonly used in the peptide field. Terms are organized alphabetically and cover research, manufacturing, regulatory, and clinical terminology.
Refer to the full interactive glossary on PeptideAtlas for detailed definitions and related terms.
**Agonist** — A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response.
**Analog/Analogue** — A modified version of a natural peptide designed to improve properties like stability or half-life.
**Bioavailability** — The fraction of a substance that reaches systemic circulation unchanged.
**CMC** — Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls. Regulatory documentation for drug manufacturing.
**COA** — Certificate of Analysis. A document reporting quality testing results.
**GMP** — Good Manufacturing Practice. Standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
**HPLC** — High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The primary method for peptide purity analysis.
**LC-MS** — Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Used for peptide identification.
**Lyophilization** — Freeze-drying process for preserving peptides.
**Receptor** — A protein on or in a cell that binds specific molecules (ligands) and triggers a cellular response.
For the complete glossary with 200+ terms, see the PeptideAtlas Glossary section.
More guides: All guides, Safety centre, Peptide library.