Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 23, 2025 – Global Animal Model Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 6.6 Billion by 2034 from US$ 2.9 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. In 2024, North America led the market, achieving over 44.8% share with a revenue of US$ 1.3 Billion.
Animal models play a vital role in advancing biomedical research by replicating human disease conditions for the study of complex biological processes and evaluation of therapeutic interventions. These models are essential for understanding disease mechanisms, testing drug safety and efficacy, and accelerating preclinical research before human clinical trials.
Commonly used animal models include rodents (mice and rats), zebrafish, rabbits, and non-human primates. Each model provides unique advantages in specific research applications, such as oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and infectious diseases. For instance, genetically modified mice are widely employed to simulate human genetic disorders, enabling researchers to assess gene function and potential treatment targets.
The adoption of animal models has been critical to the development of vaccines, cancer immunotherapies, and neurological disorder treatments. In recent years, there has been growing interest in refining models through CRISPR gene-editing technology, as well as reducing animal use by integrating alternative methods such as organoids and computer simulations.
Regulatory frameworks such as those established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) continue to ensure ethical and scientific integrity in animal-based research. Ongoing innovations in animal modeling are expected to drive further advancements in personalized medicine, translational research, and drug discovery.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the animal model market generated revenue of USD 2.9 billion and is projected to reach USD 6.6 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 8.5%.
- Based on animal type, mice dominated the segment with a market share of 54.3% in 2023, followed by rats, guinea pigs, and others.
- In terms of application, the cancer segment accounted for the largest share at 52.7% in 2023.
- By end-user, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies emerged as the leading segment with a revenue share of 57.6% in 2023.
- Regionally, North America led the global animal model market with a share of 44.8% in 2023.
Segmentation Analysis
- Animal Type Analysis: In 2023, mice accounted for 54.3% of the animal model market, driven by their extensive use in genetic and disease research. Their biological similarity to humans, short lifespan, and capacity to replicate human conditions make them ideal for preclinical studies. Growing demand from cancer and immunological research, combined with advancements in genetic engineering and personalized medicine, is expected to further boost their adoption across pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories globally.
- Application Analysis: The cancer segment dominated the application category with a 52.7% share in 2023, supported by rising global cancer prevalence and increasing demand for effective therapies. Animal models are essential for studying tumor biology, metastasis, and drug response. As personalized and targeted treatments advance, the need for reliable models that mimic human cancers continues to rise, reinforcing their role in drug development and preclinical research aimed at improving treatment outcomes.
- End-User Analysis: Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies led the market with a 57.6% revenue share in 2023 due to high reliance on animal models for drug discovery and safety testing. These companies extensively use animal models to evaluate drug efficacy prior to human trials. The increasing focus on chronic diseases, cancer, and genetic disorders, along with innovations in gene editing and personalized medicine, is expected to sustain strong demand for animal models in pharmaceutical R\&D initiatives worldwide.
Market Segments
By Animal Type
- Mice
- Rat
- Guinea Pigs
- Others
By Application
- Cancer
- Immunological Disease
- Infectious Disease
- Others
By End-user
- Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
- Academic Research Institute
- Contract Research Organization
Regional Analysis
North America Dominates the Animal Model Market
In 2023, North America held the largest share of the animal model market, accounting for 44.8% of global revenue. This dominance is attributed to substantial biomedical research funding, growing adoption of personalized medicine, and continued advancements in genetic engineering. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) allocated approximately USD 2.5 billion for preclinical studies involving animal subjects in 2024, focusing on therapeutic areas such as neurodegenerative disorders.
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a 25% rise in primate imports for research, highlighting the increased need for translational models. Strong collaborations between academic institutions and the pharmaceutical industry continue to reinforce the region’s leadership position in the global animal model market.
Asia Pacific Expected to Register the Highest CAGR
The Asia Pacific region is projected to record the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period, driven by expanding pharmaceutical R\&D investments and rising government support for biomedical innovation. In 2024, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved a marked increase in drug trials involving animal models, reflecting the country’s commitment to accelerating research capabilities.
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare allocated USD 800 million for regenerative medicine and USD 150 million for new preclinical infrastructure. Additionally, Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) reported a growth in animal-based research projects in 2024 compared to 2022. These initiatives, supported by regional cost efficiencies, are expected to significantly boost Asia Pacific’s market share over the coming years.
Emerging Trends
- Expansion of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs): A growing emphasis on complementary, non-animal methods has been reflected in recent NIH funding opportunities that encourage the development and integration of laboratory (in vitro/in chemico) and computer-based (in silico) approaches alongside traditional animal models. These NAMs aim to improve the predictability and reproducibility of preclinical studies while reducing reliance on whole-animal experiments.
- Prioritization of Human-Based Research Technologies: In an initiative announced in May 2025, NIH signaled a shift toward human-based research platforms such as organ-on-a-chip systems to minimize animal use in federally funded studies. This directive is intended to accelerate the adoption of models that more closely mimic human physiology, thereby enhancing translational relevance.
- Structured Regulatory Qualification of Animal Models: The FDA’s Animal Model Qualification Program (AMQP) has established a formal pathway for developers to seek voluntary qualification of models for specific regulatory contexts. This framework promotes early scientific collaboration with the agency, aiming to standardize models used in drug and vaccine approval processes.
- Strengthening of the 3Rs under EU Legislation: Directive 2010/63/EU mandates the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (the “3Rs”) with a clear long-term goal of fully phasing out animal use for scientific purposes. Recent actions include funding for alternative method research and member-state roadmaps to achieve incremental reduction targets.
Use Cases
- Gene-Editing Therapies for Metabolic Diseases: In a 2024 study, a base-editing treatment (BEAM-301) corrected the causative mutation in up to 60 percent of liver cells in a mouse model of glycogen storage disease type Ia, normalizing blood sugar levels and extending survival.
- Early Detection Research in Alzheimer’s Disease: Investigators at NIH developed a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease that exhibited early-onset hearing loss prior to cognitive or behavioral changes, creating a platform to explore interventions aimed at delaying or preventing dementia.
- Widespread Preclinical Adoption: A recent NIH analysis found that 71 percent of NIH R01 awards involve mouse models, underscoring their dominant role in basic and translational biomedical research.
- Vaccine Neurovirulence Testing: WHO guidelines recommend neurovirulence testing for 71 live viral vaccines during regulatory evaluations, illustrating the critical role of animal models in ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy.
Conclusion
The global animal model market is poised for sustained growth, driven by its critical role in advancing biomedical research, drug development, and personalized medicine. With increasing reliance on genetically engineered models and regulatory support for ethical research practices, the market is expected to expand significantly.
North America maintains market dominance, while Asia Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region due to strong R&D initiatives. Concurrently, innovations such as CRISPR, organ-on-a-chip systems, and structured regulatory frameworks are reshaping preclinical research. As demand rises for accurate disease modeling and therapeutic evaluation, animal models will remain indispensable to translational and regulatory science.
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