Animals Used in Research and Testing Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Rats, Mice, Others), By Applications Covered (Academic & Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Animals Used in Research and Testing Market Size

The Animals Used in Research and Testing Market was valued at USD 3,608.72 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3,861.33 million in 2025, growing to USD 6,611.65 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period [2025-2033].

The US Animals Used in Research and Testing Market holds a dominant share, driven by significant investments in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic sectors. The market benefits from advanced research capabilities and regulatory frameworks.

The Animals Used in Research and Testing Market plays a vital role in advancing medical and scientific research. It is driven by the growing need for animal testing in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, which account for about 65% of market demand. Academic and research institutes represent approximately 35% of the market, focusing on fundamental studies in genetics, neuroscience, and disease models. With the increasing focus on personalized medicine and biological research, demand for animal models, especially mice (45%) and rats (35%), continues to rise. Additionally, advancements in gene-editing technologies have further fueled the need for specialized animals, contributing to a significant 18% growth in model development.

Animals Used in Research and Testing Market Trends

The Animals Used in Research and Testing Market is witnessing dynamic growth, influenced by various factors. The increased demand for new drugs and treatments, particularly in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academia, is fueling the market. Pharmaceutical companies, in particular, heavily rely on animal models for preclinical testing of new medications, vaccines, and other therapeutic products. According to market observations, mice and rats are the dominant species used, accounting for over 60% of the market share due to their cost-effectiveness and genetic similarities to humans.

Growing concerns regarding ethical issues related to animal testing are prompting researchers and companies to explore alternative testing methods, leading to the adoption of innovative technologies like organ-on-a-chip and in vitro testing. However, these alternatives are still being developed, making animal testing indispensable in many stages of research and development. The market is also influenced by regulatory policies that ensure ethical treatment of animals and the promotion of humane practices in laboratory settings. Additionally, there is increasing interest in genetic modification, with genetically altered animals, such as genetically modified mice, becoming more common in research.

Animals Used in Research and Testing Market Dynamics 

The Animals Used in Research and Testing Market is shaped by various dynamic forces. Key factors contributing to growth include increasing investments in research and development by pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and biotechnology firms. The global market shows substantial demand for animal models, particularly mice and rats, which dominate over 55% of market share due to their genetic similarity to humans. As these animals are crucial in testing drug efficacy, safety, and toxicology, the pharmaceutical sector remains the largest contributor.

Regional growth in North America, especially in the United States, has been particularly prominent, where leading academic and pharmaceutical research facilities continue to drive demand. According to industry data, the demand for laboratory animals for testing purposes in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries rose by 10-12% in the last few years. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific has emerged as a growing market due to rising investments in biopharmaceutical R&D and an increasing number of biotech startups. Regulations in different countries regarding animal welfare continue to evolve, influencing market dynamics, with Europe adhering to strict guidelines on animal testing.

The Animals Used in Research and Testing Market is crucial in advancing scientific knowledge, drug discovery, and testing procedures. This market is primarily driven by the increasing need for animal testing in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. It encompasses animals like rats, mice, and other species utilized for biomedical research. Academic and research institutes, along with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, are the primary end-users. As scientific advancements continue and regulations surrounding animal testing evolve, the demand for lab animals is expected to increase. Key drivers of this growth include the global expansion of research activities and rising healthcare demands.

DRIVER

"Rising demand for pharmaceutical research"

The demand for animals used in research and testing is primarily driven by the increasing need for drug development and clinical trials. In particular, animal testing is essential for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and toxicity of new drugs before they can be approved for human use. In the past few years, more than 45% of animal testing has been linked to pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. This market is also influenced by the expanding biotechnology sector, where animal models are crucial for testing the effectiveness of gene therapy, vaccines, and other biopharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the increasing global investment in medical research, particularly in the fields of oncology and immunology, contributes significantly to the market's expansion.

RESTRAINT

" Ethical concerns and regulatory constraints"

One of the major restraints in the market is the ethical debate surrounding animal testing, with increasing pressure from animal rights groups and the general public. Approximately 38% of consumers in global surveys express concern over the ethical treatment of animals in research. Moreover, strict regulations governing the use of animals in research, such as the European Union's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals), limit the number of animals that can be used and the types of testing that can be conducted. These regulations, while promoting animal welfare, can also slow down the pace of research and increase costs for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

OPPORTUNITY

"Growth in personalized medicine"

Personalized medicine, which tailors medical treatment to individual genetic profiles, is creating new opportunities for animal research. In particular, genetically modified animals are being used in growing numbers to study the effects of personalized therapies and precision medicine. The demand for genetically modified animal models increased by 18% last year, driven by the rise in personalized treatments for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other complex conditions. Additionally, new developments in genetic engineering and CRISPR technology provide opportunities for more effective and ethical research, potentially reducing the number of animals required in future studies.

CHALLENGE

"Rising costs and regulatory pressure"

Rising costs associated with breeding, maintaining, and testing animals are putting pressure on research institutions and pharmaceutical companies. According to market reports, nearly 20% of the annual research budget is spent on animal care and testing. Furthermore, stringent regulations around the ethical use of animals are pushing research costs even higher. In response to these challenges, researchers are investing more in technology-driven alternatives, but such technologies are still in the developmental stage and cannot fully replace animal testing in many areas. These challenges may slow the adoption of new testing methods in the near future.

Segmentation Analysis

The market for animals used in research and testing is segmented into types and applications. Among the types, mice dominate the market, accounting for around 45% of the total share, due to their extensive use in genetic and cancer research. Rats follow closely, representing 35% of the market, being commonly used in toxicology and pharmacology studies. Other species such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and primates contribute about 20%, with primates being crucial for neurological and behavioral studies. In terms of applications, academic and research institutes hold 40% of the market share, focusing on basic research. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies account for 60%, driven by the demand for drug discovery, vaccine testing, and disease modeling.

By Type

• Rats: Rats are one of the most commonly used animals in research, accounting for approximately 40% of all animals used in scientific studies. They are favored for their genetic similarity to humans and their ability to replicate complex diseases. In toxicology studies, rats are used to assess the safety and efficacy of new drugs. The high adaptability and relatively low maintenance cost make rats a preferred option for research in drug development, cancer studies, and neuroscience. Furthermore, the use of genetically modified rats has been on the rise, as they provide valuable insights into gene-related diseases and therapies.

• Mice: Mice hold the largest share in the animals used for research and testing, contributing to more than 50% of the global market. Their genetic similarity to humans allows researchers to study human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In fact, over 60% of animal models used in preclinical studies are mice, particularly in pharmaceutical companies. Mice are critical for exploring genetic diseases, and their availability in genetically modified strains further enhances their research value. Their popularity stems from their small size, cost-effectiveness, and ability to reproduce rapidly, enabling large-scale studies in genetics and drug testing.

• Others: Other species used in research include rabbits, guinea pigs, and primates, collectively contributing to about 10% of the market share. These animals are typically used for specialized studies, such as antibody production, reproductive biology, and infectious disease modeling. Rabbits, for example, are essential in vaccine testing due to their immune response similarity to humans. Guinea pigs are widely used in immunology research, especially in studies related to allergies and respiratory diseases. Primates, though less common, are employed in neurological and cognitive studies, with a higher ethical and regulatory oversight due to their genetic proximity to humans.

By Application

• Academic & Research Institutes: Academic and research institutes represent a significant portion of the animals used in research, accounting for nearly 35% of the market. These institutions conduct basic and applied research in various fields, including genetics, neurology, immunology, and pharmacology. They rely heavily on animal models, such as rats and mice, to explore the underlying mechanisms of diseases and to test potential treatments before clinical trials. Funding from both public and private sectors continues to grow, further driving the demand for animals in research settings. Additionally, the increase in scientific discoveries and advancements in biotechnology has contributed to higher animal usage in academic research.

• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies: Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies account for the majority of the demand for animals in research, making up approximately 60% of the market. These companies use animals primarily for drug discovery, safety testing, vaccine development, and disease modeling. The high cost and complexity of developing new drugs and therapies, especially in oncology and immunology, ensure the continued need for animal testing. The global expansion of pharmaceutical companies and the rise in biologic therapies also contribute to the growing demand for animals in testing. Furthermore, advances in biologics and gene therapy research have led to increased use of animal models for preclinical studies.

Regional Outlook

The global market for animals used in research and testing is distributed unevenly across regions, with North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific leading the market. North America holds the highest market share, contributing approximately 38%, driven by the extensive pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research sectors. Europe follows closely, representing about 30% of the market, supported by strong research frameworks and ethical standards in animal testing practices. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, has seen a rapid increase in demand, contributing 22% of the market share, due to the growth in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa region accounts for 10%, with emerging opportunities in research institutions and biotechnology firms, indicating potential for future growth.

North America

North America holds the largest market share in the animals used in research and testing market, making up approximately 45% of the global market. The U.S. is a major player due to its established pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research sectors. More than 60% of animal testing in North America is associated with pharmaceutical development, particularly in drug discovery and preclinical testing. The U.S. government's support for research and development, as well as increasing private investments, further fuel market growth. Additionally, ethical regulations, such as the Animal Welfare Act, ensure the humane use of animals in research.

Europe

Europe contributes around 30% of the market share for animals used in research and testing. The European Union's strict regulations on animal testing, including the REACH and 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), impact the volume of animals used. Despite these constraints, Europe remains a leader in biomedical research, particularly in drug development and vaccine testing. Countries like the UK, Germany, and France are major hubs for academic and pharmaceutical research. Furthermore, the increasing demand for biologics and personalized medicine has driven up the need for animal testing in research institutes and pharmaceutical companies in the region.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the animals used in research and testing market, accounting for approximately 15% of the global market. China and India are the key contributors, with their growing pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research sectors driving demand for animal testing. China alone accounts for over 40% of the market share in the region due to its large-scale drug development efforts and the presence of numerous research institutions. The increasing investment in medical research and the rise of contract research organizations (CROs) in the region have further contributed to the market's expansion.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region represents a smaller segment of the global market, comprising around 10% of market share. However, this region holds potential for growth, particularly in academic and biotechnology research. The rise in health-related research initiatives and the expansion of pharmaceutical industries in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa have led to increased demand for animal testing. Additionally, the Middle East is focusing on enhancing its research infrastructure, which could further propel the demand for animals used in testing and research in the coming years.

List of Key Companies Profiled in Animals Used in Research and Testing Market

• Charles River Laboratories
• Envigo
• Taconic Biosciences
• Jackson Laboratory
• Crown Biosciences
• Shanghai SLAC
• Shanghai Modelorg
• GenOway
• Syngene International
• Psychogenics
• Pharmaron
• Pharmalegacy
• Horizon Discovery Group
• Vitalstar Biotechnology

The two top companies with the highest share in the Animals Used in Research and Testing market

• Charles River Laboratories - 25% market share
• Envigo - 18% market share

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The investment opportunities in the Animals Used in Research and Testing Market are significant due to the increasing demand for pharmaceutical research and advancements in biotechnology. Key growth drivers include the expansion of healthcare innovations, investment in genetic studies, and increasing funding from government bodies. In 2023-2024, the funding for biotech companies has increased by 12%, which indicates a positive trend for animal research in pharma. A 4% rise in government funding for research-related purposes further enhances the growth opportunities in this segment. Moreover, the increasing development of precision medicine has created demand for more advanced testing models, boosting the market share of specialized animal testing laboratories.

New Product Development

In 2023, companies focused on expanding their portfolio in the Animals Used in Research and Testing Market with new animal models designed to enhance study precision. 35% of companies launched products related to genetically modified animals, improving disease modeling for cancer research. Additionally, there was a 5% increase in products related to non-human primates for neurological disease studies. More than 20% of investment in R&D by pharmaceutical companies in the past year has gone toward enhancing genetic and gene-editing technologies in animal models. These advancements allow for more accurate representation of human diseases, leading to better clinical outcomes.

Recent Developments by Manufacturers in Animals Used in Research and Testing Market

In 2023, several key players made significant advancements in animal models to cater to the increasing demand for drug testing. Charles River Laboratories launched new animal models for gene-editing technologies, expanding their model portfolio by 18%. In early 2024, Envigo formed strategic partnerships with top biotech firms, improving animal welfare standards and boosting research accuracy by 15%. Taconic Biosciences introduced an innovative mice strain for cancer research, resulting in a 9% growth in the biopharma testing sector. Additionally, Crown Biosciences expanded its laboratory network by 10%, focusing on preclinical testing for biotech applications. These strategic moves indicate a growing focus on innovation and collaboration in the market, aiming to enhance testing capabilities and research efficiency across industries.

Report Coverage of Animals Used in Research and Testing Market

This market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Animals Used in Research and Testing Market, focusing on market dynamics, growth trends, and segment performance. It offers detailed insights into rat, mice, and other species used across various research applications. In terms of end-user segments, academic and research institutes contribute 45%, while pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies account for 55% of the market share. Regionally, North America leads with 40% market share, followed by Europe at 30%, Asia-Pacific at 20%, and Middle East & Africa at 10%. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific experienced a growth rate of 15% in 2023-2024, indicating the region’s increasing prominence in animal research. The increasing demand for genetic models and advanced testing techniques drives significant growth in these areas, with a 12% rise in biotech funding observed in 2024, further fueling advancements in research. The report also highlights global regulations and ethical standards, which have contributed to market expansion by enhancing research protocols and ensuring animal welfare.