
Binding affinities
Binding affinity refers to the strength of the interaction between two molecules, such as a drug and a target protein. It indicates how tightly the molecules stick together; a higher binding affinity means they bind more strongly and reliably. This is important in pharmaceuticals because a drug with high binding affinity for its target is more likely to be effective at lower doses, potentially leading to fewer side effects. Conversely, a low binding affinity means the drug might not work as well or would require higher doses to achieve the desired effect.