MOAbased

MOAbased is a term used to describe medical products, therapies, or research approaches that rely on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The designation is commonly written as mAb-based and MOAbased, referring to strategies that use antibodies derived from a single clone to recognize a specific antigen with high precision. Monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridoma technology or recombinant methods and can be engineered to be murine, chimeric, humanized, or fully human to reduce immunogenicity. They may be used as naked antibodies, as antibody-drug conjugates, or as bispecific constructs.

Mechanisms of action for MOAbased therapies include binding to cell-surface or soluble targets to block signaling, induce cell death, or recruit immune effector functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Some antibodies act as checkpoint inhibitors that release immune brakes, while others function as delivery vehicles for cytotoxic drugs or radioactive payloads.

Applications span oncology, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and diagnostic assays. Examples of well-known mAb-based therapies include rituximab (CD20), cetuximab (EGFR), trastuzumab (HER2), adalimumab and infliximab (both TNF inhibitors), and pembrolizumab (PD-1). Beyond treatment, monoclonal antibodies are used in diagnostics and research tools.

Manufacturing complexity, cost, and regulatory oversight are notable considerations. Biosimilars offer cost-competitive alternatives to originator products. Safety concerns can include infusion reactions, cytokine release syndrome, and autoimmunity, necessitating rigorous clinical evaluation and post-market surveillance. The field has evolved from first approvals in the 1980s to a broad and ongoing development of next-generation antibodies, including bispecifics and antibody-drug conjugates.