denosumab

English

Etymology

From arbitrary prefix den- + -os- (“bone”) +‎ -umab (“human monoclonal antibody”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /dɪˈnɒs.jʊ.mab/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /dɛnˈoʊ.səˌmæb/, /dəˈnɑs.jəˌmæb/

Noun

denosumab (uncountable)

1. (pharmacology) A drug (trademarks Prolia and Xgera) that is a genetically engineered monoclonal antibody that reduces bone resorption and increases bone mass by inhibiting osteoclast formation and function and that is administered by injection to prevent fractures associated with osteoporosis and malignant tumors of bone and to treat hypercalcemia associated with various cancers.

References

• “denosumab”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.