MOA
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Memorandum of agreement |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Law & Legal, Medical |
MOA has two meanings. It stands for Memorandum of agreement (contract) or Mechanism of action (pharmacology).
Meanings of MOA at a glance
| # | MOA stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memorandum of agreement | Law & Legal › Contract |
| 2 | Mechanism of action | Medical › Pharmacology |
1. Memorandum of agreement
Law & Legal · Contract Abbreviations
Written document setting out terms that parties have agreed to, often used by government agencies, tribes, universities and military units to define cooperative responsibilities and sometimes funding. It generally signals a firmer commitment than a memorandum of understanding.
Example: Under the MOA, the county will reimburse the state for overtime worked by troopers during the fair.
Many federal agencies distinguish an MOU (a broad statement of intent) from an MOA (specific responsibilities, sometimes with money attached), though usage varies. Historic preservation reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act often conclude with an MOA detailing how harm to historic properties will be mitigated. As with an MOU, enforceability turns on the language used.
2. Mechanism of action
Medical · Pharmacology Abbreviations
Specific biochemical interaction through which a drug produces its effect, such as blocking a receptor, inhibiting an enzyme or opening an ion channel. Knowing the MOA helps predict side effects, interactions and which drugs can be combined.
Example: MOA: irreversible inhibition of COX-1 for the life of the platelet, about 7-10 days.
Some drugs were used for decades before their MOA was understood; lithium and acetaminophen are still not fully explained. Drug classes are often named after their MOA (ACE inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors), while others are named for their use (antidepressants) or chemistry (benzodiazepines).
Related abbreviations
More contract abbreviations
- LPA – Limited partnership agreement
- MAC – Material adverse change
- MAE – Material adverse effect
- MNDA – Mutual nondisclosure agreement
- MOU – Memorandum of understanding
- MSA – Master services agreement
- MTA – Material transfer agreement
- NCA – Noncompete agreement
See all 57 contract abbreviations →
More pharmacology abbreviations
- DLT – Dose-limiting toxicity
- ED50 – Median effective dose
- INN – International Nonproprietary Name
- LD50 – Median lethal dose
- MTD – Maximum tolerated dose
- NTI – Narrow therapeutic index
- OIC – Opioid-induced constipation
- OIH – Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
See all 36 pharmacology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical or legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.