Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – May 22, 2025 – Global Rat and Mouse Model Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 3.0 Billion by 2033 from US$ 1.5 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033
The global rat and mouse model market is experiencing sustained growth, attributed to increasing investments in biomedical research, expanding drug discovery activities, and advancements in genetic engineering technologies. These models serve as vital tools in studying human disease mechanisms, evaluating drug efficacy, and conducting preclinical trials.
The rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders has intensified demand for translational research using rodent models. Additionally, the growing application of genetically engineered mice and rats in neuroscience and immunology studies continues to support market expansion.
By type, the market is segmented into inbred, outbred, hybrid, and genetically engineered models, with genetically engineered models gaining notable traction due to their precision in replicating human pathophysiology. Academics, contract research organizations (CROs), and pharmaceutical companies represent the primary end-users, collectively accounting for a significant market share.
Regionally, North America dominates the global landscape, supported by well-established research infrastructure and funding programs. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth, propelled by increasing R&D investments and supportive government initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the Rat and Mouse Model market recorded a revenue of US$ 1.5 billion and is projected to reach US$ 3.0 billion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%.
- Based on product type, the market is categorized into models and services, with the model segment accounting for the largest share of 68.2% in 2023.
- By application, the market is segmented into cancer, genetic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, transplantation, and others. Among these, cancer emerged as the leading application area, representing 55.6% of the market share.
- In terms of end use, the market is classified into pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, contract research & manufacturing organizations, and academic & research facilities. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dominated the segment with a revenue share of 61.5%.
- Regionally, North America led the market, capturing a share of 38.7% in 2023.
Segmentation Analysis
- Product Type Analysis: In 2023, the model segment accounted for 68.2% of the market, driven by the increasing demand for accurate and advanced research tools. Genetically modified rat and mouse models are increasingly used to replicate human disease pathways in drug discovery and toxicology studies. Ongoing advancements in model development, especially for targeted disease research, and the growing emphasis on personalized medicine are expected to further boost the segment. Rising biomedical research funding will also support continued market expansion.
- Application Analysis: Cancer accounted for 55.6% of the market share in 2023, as rat and mouse models remain crucial in studying tumor biology, progression, and treatment response. The global increase in cancer incidence has heightened the need for reliable preclinical testing tools. These models are expected to be vital for evaluating immuno-oncology therapies and personalized treatments. Additionally, stricter regulatory guidelines are anticipated to drive further adoption of accurate animal models in oncology research.
- End-use Analysis: Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dominated the market in 2023, holding a 61.5% share, owing to their increasing reliance on preclinical studies using animal models. These models are essential for testing drug safety and efficacy before clinical trials. The segment is expected to grow due to rising R&D investments in gene therapies, biologics, and immunotherapies. As regulatory compliance becomes more stringent, the use of genetically engineered and disease-specific models is projected to expand, improving drug development timelines and outcomes.
Market Segments
Product Type
- Model
- Inbred
- Outbred
- Service
- Cryopreservation
- Breeding
- Rederivation
- Genetic Testing
- Quarantine depending
- Others
Application
- Cancer
- Genetic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation
- Others
End-use
- Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
- Contract Research & Manufacturing Organizations
- Academic & Research Facilities
Regional Analysis
North America Leads the Rat and Mouse Model Market
In 2023, North America accounted for the largest revenue share of 38.7% in the rat and mouse model market, driven by advancements in biomedical research and the growing demand for precise preclinical testing tools. The region’s robust biopharmaceutical industry increasingly relies on rodent models for drug discovery, toxicology assessments, and disease modeling.
The adoption of genetically engineered rats and mice has been accelerated by the region’s emphasis on personalized medicine and immunotherapies. A notable advancement occurred in July 2024 at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where researchers developed a humanized mouse model with a human immune system and gut microbiota marking a significant step in immunotherapy research.
Furthermore, the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic diseases has intensified the need for advanced animal models. North America’s favorable regulatory landscape and continuous R&D investment are expected to support sustained market leadership.
Asia Pacific Poised for the Highest CAGR
The Asia Pacific region is projected to register the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period, fueled by growing investments in biomedical research and rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Key countries including China, India, and Japan are increasing their focus on research in oncology, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. This trend is anticipated to boost the demand for genetically modified rodent models, which provide more relevant insights into human disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.
The region’s rising emphasis on precision medicine, along with initiatives to strengthen research infrastructure and reduce dependence on traditional animal testing, is likely to enhance market growth. Additionally, expanding clinical trials and government support for life sciences research will further drive the adoption of rat and mouse models across the Asia Pacific market.
Emerging Trends
- Advances in Genome Editing Technologies: The application of CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, and zinc-finger nucleases has markedly increased the creation of gene-targeted rat and mouse strains. These tools have enabled precise knockout and knock-in of endogenous genes, facilitating deeper insights into gene function and disease mechanisms that were previously difficult to model outside of mice.
- Development of Humanized Rodent Models: Humanized models, in which human immune cells or tissues are engrafted into rodents, have been increasingly deployed for long-term studies of immunology and regenerative medicine. Such models now support investigations spanning more than one year, improving the translational relevance of preclinical findings.
- Use of Genetically Diverse Outbred Stocks: Heterogeneous stock (HS) rats and outbred mouse populations are being adopted to capture broader genetic diversity. This approach enhances the mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and the study of complex traits, improving the predictive accuracy of models for human disease.
- Expansion into Emerging Infectious Disease Research: With the emergence of novel pathogens, rodent models have been rapidly adapted. For example, mouse and rat susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 variants such as B.1.1.7 has been demonstrated, enabling group challenge studies that assess viral pathology and immune responses in standardized cohorts.
Use Cases
- Oncology Research and Drug Screening: Over 95 % of preclinical cancer studies employ rat or mouse models to implant human tumor cell lines subcutaneously and monitor tumor growth before therapeutic intervention. In the United States alone, an estimated 1 918 030 new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022, with approximately 350 cancer-related deaths occurring per day, underscoring the critical role of rodent models in evaluating anticancer therapies.
- Toxicology and Safety Assessment: It is estimated that 111.5 million rats and mice were used annually in U.S. laboratories during 2017–2018. Of these, approximately 44.5 million animals underwent procedures classified as potentially painful. These large-scale studies inform regulatory safety thresholds and guide risk assessments for pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis Studies: Rodent challenge models are routinely used to evaluate pathogen virulence and host responses. In one SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 study, six-week-old Sprague Dawley rats (n = 8 per experimental group, n = 3 controls) were intranasally inoculated, revealing pulmonary lesions as early as 2 days post-infection. Such quantitative designs enable robust evaluation of vaccine candidates and antiviral agents.
Conclusion
The global rat and mouse model market is poised for steady expansion, driven by advancements in genetic engineering, rising chronic disease prevalence, and increased investments in biomedical research. Genetically engineered and humanized models are transforming preclinical research by improving the accuracy of disease modeling and drug testing.
With strong adoption across pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and academic institutions, these models play a pivotal role in translational research. North America maintains market leadership due to its established research infrastructure, while Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth. Emerging technologies and applications continue to enhance the relevance and utility of rodent models in life sciences.
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