Tag: Covalent inhibitors

In the world of drug action, while most medications bind to their targets and eventually dissociate, some form a permanent bond. These powerful molecules, known as irreversible antagonists, covalently modify their protein targets, fundamentally altering their function for an extended period. Understanding what drugs are irreversible antagonists is crucial for comprehending their unique and often prolonged therapeutic effects.

Approximately 1 in 5 small-molecule drugs approved by the FDA act by forming covalent bonds, a key mechanism explaining **what drugs bind irreversibly**. This permanent binding has unique pharmacological consequences that distinguish these medications from their reversible counterparts, impacting everything from drug duration to toxicity.