A wordbook for unfamiliar terms

Short meanings, in one place

Peptide

A small chain formed from the units that make up proteins. The name describes a substance, not a treatment result.

Semax

A lab-made peptide with seven parts, designed to copy a piece of ACTH, a hormone that helps the body respond to stress. A hormone is a chemical signal that the body produces.

FDA

Food and Drug Administration: a US agency whose work includes reviewing medicines.

FDA approval

The agency has reviewed a particular medicine and agreed it may be sold for a particular use. Compounded medicines lack this approval as of September 26, 2026.

Compounding

Making a medicine to order, such as by mixing it for an individual patient.

Bulk drug substance

The raw active ingredient used to make a medicine.

503A

The law section that covers medicine prepared on prescription for an identified patient, as checked September 26, 2026. The pharmacy must also meet other rules, including ingredient rules.

NDC

National Drug Code: an identifier for a product listed in a government directory. An NDC is not proof of FDA approval under guidance checked September 26, 2026.

Advisory panel

A group that gives an agency advice. Under the rules checked September 26, 2026, its vote does not itself change the law.

Placebo

A comparison treatment that does not contain the active study drug.

Telehealth

A care visit using video, a phone or an online exchange.

State medical board

The state body that holds doctor licence records and can act when a doctor breaks professional rules.

State board of pharmacy

The state body that licenses pharmacies.

Adverse event

An unwanted experience reported during use of a medical product. The report alone cannot show the product caused it.

MedWatch

The FDA service that accepts reports of medicine problems from patients and health professionals.

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