The suffix ximab refers to which type of monoclonal antibody?

The suffix "ximab" pertains specifically to chimeric monoclonal antibodies. Chimeric antibodies are genetically engineered from both animal and human sources, typically combining murine (mouse) variable regions with human constant regions. This design aims to retain the specificity of the murine antibody while reducing the likelihood of an immune response against the antibody itself in human patients.

In contrast, fully human monoclonal antibodies utilize entirely human amino acid sequences, thus having a different suffix (such as "umab"). Humanized antibodies, which are often used to enhance compatibility with the human immune system, typically have the suffix "zumab." Murine antibodies, being derived entirely from mouse sources, are denoted with the suffix "mab" without any preceding modifiers.

The designation "ximab" clearly identifies a hybrid nature of the antibody, emphasizing its chimeric origins. Therefore, when identifying the type of monoclonal antibody associated with the suffix ximab, it is accurate to categorize it as a chimeric monoclonal antibody.