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Glossary of terms

L

Large Molecule

A general term used to describe pharmaceutical R&D using biology and biological methods and materials to discover and develop new medicines. Biological molecules are large compared with chemical molecules.

Lean Sigma™

A business improvement methodology.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist

A non-steroidal asthma medication taken over the long term and shown to reduce use of inhalers etc. and may also allow the asthmatic to reduce high doses of inhaled steroids.

LHRH Agonist

A drug that mimics the effect of LHRH.

LIBID

London Interbank Bid Rate.

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate.

Line Extension

A new formulation, indication or presentation of a product that is already approved.

Lipid

Another word for “fat”. Lipids are one of the main constituents of plant and animal cells.

Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C)

Cholesterol that is carried in the blood by LDL, sometimes referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol.

LSE

London Stock Exchange plc.

Luteinising Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH)

A naturally occurring hormone that controls sex hormones in both men and women.