Abstract: Model based meta-analysis (MBMA) is a new type of quantitative analysis method in drug development. It provides statistical models and pharmacodynamics models for integration of clinical trials, investigates the impact of dosage, treatment duration and morbid states on treatment effect by introducing covariates and simulate and predict drug efficacy of different routes of administration and seriousness of disease with pharmacodynamics models. MBMA is an important quantitative tool in drug development for comparing drug efficacy, formulating drug development strategies and optimizing drug regimen. This paper overviewed the methods and characteristics of MBMA, as well as worldwide applications of MBMA in drug development in recent years, so as to provide reference for further study and application of MBMA in drug development.