The global Animal Model Market is experiencing steady growth as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research institutions increasingly rely on animal models to understand disease mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic interventions before human clinical trials. According to industry analysis, the market was valued at USD 2.38 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 2.52 billion in 2025 to USD 4.05 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 6.11% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
Animal models—including rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits—are widely used in biological and pathological studies due to their genetic, physiological, and anatomical similarities to humans. These models play a critical role in drug discovery, disease modeling, toxicity Testing, and the development of innovative therapies. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases, rising investments in biomedical research, and technological advancements in gene-editing tools such as CRISPR are driving the expansion of the global animal model market.
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Market Drivers
Rising Use of Animal Models in Infectious Disease and Virology Research
The global surge in infectious disease outbreaks has significantly increased reliance on animal models for studying viral pathogenesis and evaluating treatment strategies. Over the past two decades, outbreaks such as SARS-CoV (2002), MERS-CoV (2012), and SARS-CoV-2 (2019) have underscored the importance of robust preclinical research models. Mouse models, in particular, have been widely utilized to study viruses such as hepatitis C, Zika, cytomegalovirus, and hepatitis B.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, animal models played a vital role in understanding disease mechanisms and accelerating vaccine and therapeutic development. Their high reproducibility and ease of genetic modification make them indispensable tools in virology research, further driving demand across pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Growing Adoption of CRISPR Gene-Editing Technology
Another key growth factor shaping the market is the increasing adoption of CRISPR-based genetic engineering techniques. CRISPR enables scientists to develop genetically modified animal models quickly and cost-effectively, allowing the creation of knock-in and knock-out models that replicate human genetic disorders.
This technology has significantly improved the speed and accuracy of disease modeling and drug testing, enabling researchers to generate animal models with specific mutations or conditional alleles in just a few weeks. As precision medicine and gene therapy research expand globally, CRISPR-enabled animal models are expected to become even more critical in biomedical innovation.
Market Challenges / Restraining Factors
Strict Regulations on Ethical Use of Animals in Research
Despite strong demand, the market faces challenges due to strict regulatory frameworks governing the ethical treatment of animals in research. Several countries have implemented legislation restricting or banning animal testing in certain sectors, particularly cosmetics.
For example, Australia banned the use of animal test data for cosmetics in 2019, while multiple regions worldwide have adopted similar restrictions. Institutions receiving funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) must comply with strict guidelines such as Public Health Service (PHS) policies and may require accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).
While these regulations ensure ethical treatment and welfare of laboratory animals, they can also increase operational complexity and compliance costs for research institutions.
Market Opportunities
Expansion of Pharmaceutical Research in Emerging Markets
Emerging economies are creating significant growth opportunities for the animal model market. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are increasing investments in pharmaceutical R&D, biotechnology innovation, and healthcare infrastructure.
Growing demand for advanced therapies, rising government funding for biomedical research, and the expansion of contract research organizations (CROs) in these regions are fueling market expansion. Additionally, improved pharmacology research capabilities and increased adoption of preclinical testing methods are expected to strengthen the role of animal models in drug development across Asia-Pacific.
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Regional Insights
North America
North America dominates the global animal model market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. The United States holds the largest market share in the region due to strong government funding for biomedical research and the presence of major industry players such as Charles River Laboratories, The Jackson Laboratory, and Crown Bioscience.
Extensive use of animal models in research fields such as oncology, neurology, genetics, and infectious diseases continues to drive regional growth.
Europe
Europe represents the fastest-growing regional market, supported by rising investments in pharmaceutical R&D and the presence of leading companies including Genoway S.A., Janvier Labs, and Eurofins Scientific. The region’s emphasis on precision medicine, CRISPR research, and disease modeling for cancer and cardiovascular conditions further accelerates demand.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is emerging as a major growth hub for the animal model industry due to increasing government support for research, rapid expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and growing preclinical testing activities among pharmaceutical companies and CROs.
LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa)
The LAMEA region is witnessing gradual growth as governments invest in healthcare modernization and biomedical research infrastructure. Rising incidence of chronic diseases and expanding pharmaceutical sectors are expected to boost adoption of animal models across these regions.
Competitive Landscape
The global animal model market is moderately competitive, with established players focusing on innovation, partnerships, and expansion of genetically engineered models to strengthen their market presence.
Key companies operating in the market include:
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Charles River Laboratories
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The Jackson Laboratory
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Genoway S.A
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Taconic Biosciences, Inc.
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Janvier Labs
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Harbour BioMed
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Crown Bioscience
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Envigo RMS, LLC
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Inotiv
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BIOCYTOGEN
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BioSpherix, Ltd.
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Ozgene Pty
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Trans Genic Inc
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Hera Biolabs
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B&K Universal
These companies are investing in advanced genetic engineering technologies and expanding their product portfolios to meet the growing demand for specialized research models.
Segmentation Analysis
By Animal Type
The market includes several widely used laboratory animals such as rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, and others. Among these, rat models hold the largest market share due to their genetic similarities to humans, short reproductive cycles, and extensive use in cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic research.
By Application
The drug discovery and development segment dominates the market, driven by the increasing use of animal models in preclinical testing and toxicity studies. These models play a vital role in target validation, drug screening, and safety assessment before clinical trials.
By End-User
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies represent the largest end-user segment, as they rely heavily on animal models for drug development and translational research. Academic research institutes also contribute significantly to market demand through basic scientific studies and disease modeling.
Recent Developments
Industry players continue to launch innovative initiatives to strengthen research capabilities and expand the availability of advanced animal models.
In March 2022, Hera BioLabs partnered with Charles River Laboratories to commercialize the SRG™ rat (OncoRat®), the first immunocompromised rat model designed for oncology and infectious disease research.
In April 2022, Taconic Biosciences collaborated with Biomodels to launch the Taconic-Biomodels Microbiome Initiative, offering integrated germ-free and gnotobiotic research solutions.
Additionally, The Jackson Laboratory introduced an advanced methylome profiling method to improve the classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors, highlighting the continued innovation within the animal model research ecosystem.