UMAB (Utrecht Monoclonal Antibody facility)

Overview

The Utrecht Monoclonal Antibody Facility (UMAB) is the antibody facility of UMC Utrecht, specializing in the generation of high-quality monoclonal antibodies targeting surface proteins.
Beyond their biological functions, monoclonal antibodies play a crucial role in biomedical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic development. Generating antibodies against low-immunogenic membrane proteins—such as multi-pass membrane proteins or targets with small extracellular domains—remains technically challenging.
To address this challenge, UMAB has developed a proprietary cell-based immunization method. In addition to antibody generation using hybridoma technology, UMAB is specialized in sequencing antibody variable regions, as well as the production and purification of newly generated monoclonal antibodies.

How we work

UMAB was established in 2012 as a core facility of the Center for Translational Immunology (CTI) at UMC Utrecht.
The facility distinguishes itself from other antibody-generation platforms through its unique cellular immunization approach. In addition, UMAB serves as an informational and advisory resource for antibody-related research questions.
UMAB works closely with researchers to develop custom-made monoclonal antibodies tailored to specific scientific needs. All projects are conducted on a custom basis, and no intellectual property (IP) claims are made by the facility.
UMAB operates under ISO 9001 certification, ensuring consistent quality standards.

About our applications

UMAB offers end-to-end monoclonal antibody development, from target design to high-affinity, functionally validated antibodies. Using a unique immunization and screening workflow, we support academic research with reliable and scalable antibody solutions.

Our applications

• Unique immunization method to generate high affinity antibodies to surface molecules (KD 10-10 to 10-11 )
• 5000-10000 generated hybridomas screened for binding
• Screening on FACS, selection of top 5-10 antibodies
• From target sequence to mouse hybridoma’s in 6-9 months
• Sequencing of hybridomas
• Chimerization on 5-10 mAbs within 3-4 months
• Produce antibodies of patented sequences for academic use

About our services & fees

UMAB offers a range of specialized antibody services delivered in close collaboration with investigators.
All services are project-based, with transparent fees provided upon request.

Hybridoma Generation and Selection

• Hybridoma generation and selection
• Selection of epitope-specific antibodies, including agonistic, antagonistic, and internalizing antibodies
• Cynomolgus monkey (cyno) cross-reactivity can be included
• Production of chimeric antibodies with wild-type, silenced (PGLALA/STR), or activated (GASDALIE) Fc tails
• Close collaboration with investigators throughout the project

Post-Production Services

• Affinity determination using the Ligand Tracer platform
• Functional assays, including inhibition assays, internalization assays, ADCC, CDC, and others

Research highlights

UMAB contributes to antibody-driven research by supporting projects that advance scientific insight and therapeutic development.
Our research highlights illustrate the impact of UMAB-generated antibodies in academic and translational research.

• A lead candidate targeting CD123 developed by Byondis was generated at the UMAB facility.
• View the Byondis CD123 pipeline
• New insights into Type I and Type II CD20 antibody mechanisms of action were obtained using a panel of novel CD20 antibodies generated at UMAB
• (Meyer S, et al. British Journal of Haematology, May 2018).
• Oncode Institute – Therapeutic Antibody Research
• UMAB contributes to the Oncode Therapeutic Antibody Project (UMC Utrecht) as part of the Oncode Antibody & Biologics Accelerator Platform.

Meet the team

• Prof. Dr. Jeanette Leusen, Full professor,
• Petra Moerer Senior Research Technician,
• Maaike Nederend Senior Research Technician,
• Elsemieke Passchier Research Technician