how monoclonal antibodies get their strange-looking names

November 1998

Have you ever wondered how monoclonal antibodies get their strange-looking names...abciximab, rituximab, palivizumab, etc.

They all end in "mab"...for monoclonal antibody.

The one or two letters before "mab" describe the antibody's SOURCE..."u" for human..."o" for mouse..."xi" for combinations, etc.

Practical advice for a better career, with unlimited access to CE

Pharmacy Technician's Letter includes:

12 issues every year, with brief articles about new meds and hot topics
200+ CE courses, including the popular CE-in-the-Letter
Helpful, in-depth Technician Tutorials
Access to the entire archive

Subscribe Today!

Already a subscriber? Log in

Volume pricing available. Get a quote

Table of Contents

STANDARDIZED herbal products
Diabetes confused about the readings they're getting from the newer blood glucose meters
Diabetes Medicare reimbursement for diabetes supplies and services
Periostat, a new "pill" for periodontitis
Cardiology Atacand (candesartan), a new angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) for hypertension
Cardiology starting most heart failure patients on "triple therapy
Infectious Diseases Epivir-HBV, the first oral drug for chronic hepatitis B
Infectious Diseases This year's flu vaccine may be especially beneficial
Infectious Diseases two promising antivirals to treat and prevent influenza
Pediatrics EMLA now comes as a patch
Synagis (palivizumab) to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young children
how monoclonal antibodies get their strange-looking names
Osteoporosis benefit of two of the newer drugs for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis pharmacists are offering bone density tests
gabapentin (Neurontin) for psychiatric disorders
SSRI antidepressants can increase the risk of falls in the elderly
folic acid supplements substantially reduce the risk of colon cancer