Asia Pacific Animal Model Market

Asia Pacific Animal Model Market Size

The Asia Pacific animal model market was valued at USD 0.72 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 0.79 billion in 2025 from USD 1.63 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.43% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

The Asia Pacific animal model market involves the use of laboratory animals, such as mice, rats, zebrafish, and non-human primates, for research in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academic institutions. These models serve as critical tools for understanding human diseases, testing drug efficacy, and ensuring regulatory compliance before clinical trials. The region’s growing investments in biomedical research, expanding pharmaceutical sector, and rising prevalence of chronic diseases are driving demand for advanced preclinical research platforms. This increasing disease burden has intensified the need for robust research methodologies, including the development and application of genetically modified and disease-specific animal models. Furthermore, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in translational medicine and precision health initiatives.

MARKET DRIVERS

Expansion of Biopharmaceutical R&D Activities

One of the primary drivers of the Asia Pacific animal model market is the rapid expansion of biopharmaceutical research and development activities, particularly in countries such as China, India, and South Korea. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), R&D expenditure in the life sciences sector in the Asia Pacific region grew at a notable annual rate between 2018 and 202, outpacing many developed regions globally. This growth is fueled by government support, increased funding for academic research, and the establishment of specialized biotech clusters. Similarly, India’s Department of Biotechnology allocated INR 4,000 crores in its 2022–2023 budget to accelerate drug discovery and translational research, further strengthening the demand for animal-based studies. Moreover, multinational pharmaceutical companies are setting up R&D centers in the region due to cost advantages and access to skilled researchers.

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

Another key driver of the Asia Pacific animal model market is the escalating prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions  As per the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases accounted for approximately 62% of all deaths in the Asia Pacific region in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment modalities. In response, governments and private entities are increasingly investing in disease modeling using animal systems to develop targeted therapies. For instance, Japan’s National Cancer Center reported over 1 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2021 alone, prompting extensive research into oncology models such as xenografted mice and genetically engineered rodents. Academic and research institutions across the region are also leveraging animal models to investigate neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. According to the Asian-Australasian Journal of Neuroscience, more than 150 preclinical studies on neurodegeneration were published in 2022, most of which involved transgenic mouse models.

MARKET RESTRAINT

Ethical Concerns and Regulatory Restrictions

A major restraint affecting the Asia Pacific animal model market is the increasing scrutiny surrounding ethical concerns and regulatory restrictions on animal experimentation. While some countries in the region have well-established frameworks governing the use of animals in research, others are still developing policies that align with international standards. For example, Japan has stringent regulations under the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, which mandates adherence to the "3Rs" principle—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) enforces rigorous ethical guidelines for animal use in research, requiring detailed justification and oversight for each experiment. A 2022 report by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment indicated that the number of regulated procedures involving animals declined compared to the previous year, reflecting shifting attitudes toward minimizing animal use.

High Cost of Developing and Maintaining Specialized Models

Another significant constraint in the Asia Pacific animal model market is the high cost associated with developing and maintaining genetically modified or disease-specific animal models. Transgenic, knockout, and humanized animal models require sophisticated breeding, genetic engineering, and controlled housing environments, all of which contribute to elevated operational expenses.  In countries like Thailand and the Philippines, where research funding remains limited, many universities and hospitals face difficulties sustaining long-term animal model programs. Even in more developed markets such as Singapore and South Korea, researchers often seek collaborations or external grants to offset these expenses.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

Adoption of Genetically Engineered Animal Models

A major opportunity within the Asia Pacific animal model market lies in the growing adoption of genetically engineered animal models, particularly in fields such as oncology, immunology, and rare disease research. Advances in gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 have enabled the development of highly customized models that better mimic human pathophysiology, enhancing their relevance in drug discovery and translational medicine. In Japan, institutions such as the RIKEN BioResource Research Center have been instrumental in generating and distributing genetically modified mouse lines. Similarly, South Korea’s National Primate Research Center (NPRC) has successfully developed gene-edited macaque models for neurodegenerative diseases, offering valuable insights into Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s pathology.

Growth of Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

The expansion of contract research organizations (CROs) specializing in preclinical services presents a substantial opportunity for the Asia Pacific animal model market. CROs offer outsourced research capabilities, including model development, efficacy testing, and toxicology assessments, enabling pharmaceutical and biotech companies to streamline their R&D processes. Countries such as China and India have emerged as preferred destinations for outsourcing due to their cost-effective labor, well-developed research infrastructure, and availability of skilled professionals. In China, companies like WuXi AppTec and Charles River Laboratories’ local subsidiaries have expanded their animal model service portfolios, catering to both domestic and global clients. Besides, Singapore and South Korea are strengthening their positions as regional CRO hubs, with government-backed incentives encouraging foreign investment in life sciences research.

MARKET CHALLENGE

Complexity in Managing Genetic Diversity and Standardization

One of the foremost challenges confronting the Asia Pacific animal model market is the complexity involved in managing genetic diversity and ensuring standardization across different research settings. Variability in the genetic backgrounds of laboratory animals can significantly impact experimental outcomes, leading to inconsistencies in drug efficacy and toxicity assessments. For example, studies conducted by the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) have shown that even minor genetic differences between mouse strains can alter responses to pharmacological agents, complicating data interpretation and reproducibility. In academic and industrial research centers across the Asia Pacific, this variability poses a barrier to achieving uniform results across multi-site trials. In countries like India and Indonesia, a lack of centralized repositories for standardized animal strains limits access to genetically consistent models, further exacerbating the issue.

Shortage of Skilled Personnel and Infrastructure Gaps

A significant challenge impeding the growth of the Asia Pacific animal model market is the shortage of trained personnel and gaps in research infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies. Effective animal model research requires expertise in genetics, veterinary science, pathology, and regulatory compliance—areas where there is a notable skill deficit in several countries across the region. Beyond human capital, infrastructure deficiencies pose another obstacle. Many research institutions lack state-of-the-art vivariums, biocontainment facilities, and cryopreservation units necessary for maintaining high-quality animal colonies. In Indonesia, a 2022 assessment by the Indonesian Center for Animal Research and Services revealed that only 12 out of 50 major universities had fully functional animal research facilities, constraining the scale and quality of animal-based investigations.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Animal Type Insights

The mouse segment dominated the Asia Pacific animal model market with a share of 62% in 2024, owing to its widespread use in preclinical research across various therapeutic areas. Mice are extensively utilized due to their genetic similarity to humans, short reproductive cycle, and ease of genetic manipulation, making them ideal for modeling human diseases. According to the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC), over 20,000 mouse strains have been developed globally for biomedical research, with a significant portion being used in Asia Pacific laboratories. Japan is another major consumer of mouse models, particularly in oncology and neuroscience research.  Similarly, Australia’s Australian Phenomics Network reports that nearly 90% of preclinical studies involving animal models utilize mice, emphasizing their entrenched role in scientific investigations.

The guinea pigs segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 10.3% in the Asia Pacific animal model market, which is driven by their increasing application in dermatological, immunological, and infectious disease research. Unlike mice, guinea pigs possess a skin structure and immune response closer to that of humans, making them valuable for vaccine development and allergy testing. In China, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has expanded its use of guinea pigs in tuberculosis research, leveraging their susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis for evaluating novel therapeutics. According to the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), over 200,000 guinea pigs were used in infectious disease studies in 2022 alone, reflecting a rising trend in adoption. This regulatory requirement ensures continued demand from contract research organizations (CROs) conducting preclinical assessments.

By Application Insights

The cancer segment had the largest market share of 42.1% in the Asia Pacific animal model market. This is propelled by the escalating incidence of malignancies and the need for effective treatment modalities. Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in the region, prompting extensive investment in preclinical research using animal models to understand tumor biology and evaluate novel therapies. In Japan alone, over 1 million new cancer cases were reported in 2022, as documented by the National Cancer Center. This high disease burden necessitates the development of advanced animal models for targeted therapy testing.

In China, the National Center for Liver Cancer Research utilizes xenografted mouse models extensively for hepatocellular carcinoma studies, contributing to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and precision medicine.

The infectious disease segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 11.7% in the Asia Pacific animal model market. This is fueled by the resurgence of viral and bacterial pathogens, along with increasing investments in vaccine and antiviral research. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness regarding zoonotic threats, prompting governments and pharmaceutical firms to prioritize infectious disease modeling. Additionally, the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) has increased its utilization of small animal models for dengue, malaria, and tuberculosis studies, indicating a broader shift toward infectious disease modeling. Moreover,

By End-use Insights

The academic research institutes segment accounted for the largest market share of 54.7% in the Asia Pacific animal model market. This is supported by their long-standing role in fundamental biological research and translational medicine. Universities and research centers across the region are heavily engaged in life sciences exploration, utilizing animal models to investigate disease mechanisms, develop therapeutic strategies, and train the next generation of scientists. In Japan, the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University collectively maintain over 200 active animal research programs, covering fields such as neuroscience, genetics, and regenerative medicine, as reported by the Japanese Society of Laboratory Animal Science. Similarly, China’s Ministry of Education has designated several universities as national centers for animal model research, including Peking University and Fudan University, which operate state-of-the-art vivariums and transgenic facilities.

The contract research organizations (CROs) segment is expected to register the fastest expansion with a CAGR of 12.1%. This progress is caused by the increasing outsourcing of preclinical research by pharmaceutical and biotech firms seeking cost-effective and efficient drug development solutions. CROs offer specialized services in animal model development, efficacy testing, toxicology, and regulatory compliance, positioning themselves as critical partners in the drug discovery ecosystem. The Indian government’s push for domestic pharmaceutical innovation through initiatives like “Make in India” has further strengthened this trend. Similarly, China has emerged as a global hub for outsourced preclinical research, with companies such as WuXi AppTec and Charles River Laboratories’ local subsidiaries investing heavily in infrastructure and capacity building.

COUNTRY LEVEL ANALYSIS

China commanded the largest market share of 30.8% in the Asia Pacific animal model market. This is driven by substantial investments in biomedical research, a growing pharmaceutical industry, and supportive government policies. The country has established itself as a key player in genetically engineered animal models, particularly in oncology and infectious disease research. According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, over 200 research institutions across China actively engage in animal model-based studies, with dedicated centers such as the Model Animal Research Center (MARC) at Nanjing University producing thousands of transgenic and knockout mouse lines annually.

Japan is distinguished by its advanced research infrastructure, high regulatory standards, and deep expertise in translational medicine. The country maintains a robust ecosystem of academic institutions, government-funded research centers, and biotech firms that rely extensively on animal models for drug discovery and disease modeling. Institutions such as the RIKEN BioResource Research Center and the National BioResource Project (NBRP) play a central role in supplying standardized animal models to both domestic and international researchers. Also, Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) mandates rigorous preclinical testing before clinical trials, reinforcing the necessity of animal models in drug approval pathways.

India is a rapidly expanding preclinical ecosystem, which is propelled by a rapidly growing pharmaceutical and biotech sector, increasing foreign investment, and a strong academic research base. The country has become an attractive destination for outsourced preclinical research due to its skilled workforce and cost-efficient operations. Institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) are actively involved in developing genetically modified models for neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, India’s contract research organization (CRO) sector has expanded significantly, with companies like Syngene International and Jubilant Life Sciences offering comprehensive preclinical services.

South Korea is an innovation-driven economy. This is characterized by its strong emphasis on innovation, government-backed R&D initiatives, and integration of cutting-edge technologies in preclinical research. The country has developed a sophisticated ecosystem where academic institutions, biotech firms, and regulatory bodies collaborate to advance animal model applications. The National Primate Research Center (NPRC) has pioneered gene-edited macaque models for neurodegenerative disease studies, attracting international attention. Furthermore, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has streamlined regulatory pathways for preclinical testing, encouraging faster drug development cycles. Companies such as Macrogen and GenoTech Bioscience are expanding their animal model production capacities, catering to both domestic and global clients.

Australia holds a smaller market share of the Asia Pacific animal model market, distinguished by its high-standard ethical regulations, world-class research institutions, and collaborative approach to biomedical innovation. Despite its relatively small population, Australia maintains a disproportionately large influence in preclinical research due to its well-developed infrastructure and strong government support. Furthermore, Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) enforces stringent ethical oversight while promoting responsible animal use in research. The country also plays a pivotal role in regional collaborations, with partnerships extending to Singapore, New Zealand, and Southeast Asian nations.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Charles River Laboratories, The Jackson Laboratory, GenOway, Taconic Biosciences, Inc., Janvier Labs, Harbour BioMed, Crown Bioscience, Inotiv, BIOCYTOGEN, and Biospherix, Ltd. are the market players that are dominating the Asia Pacific animal model market.

Top Players in the Market

Charles River Laboratories

Charles River Laboratories plays a pivotal role in the Asia Pacific animal model market by providing a comprehensive portfolio of research models and preclinical services. The company supports drug discovery and development through its extensive range of genetically engineered and disease-specific animal models. With a strong presence in China, Japan, and South Korea, Charles River collaborates with pharmaceutical firms, biotech companies, and academic institutions to advance translational medicine.

Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd. (Oriental Bio)

Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd., operating under the brand Oriental Bio, is a leading supplier of laboratory animals and custom-built animal models in Japan and across the Asia Pacific region. The company specializes in rodent models for cancer, metabolic disorders, and immunology research. Oriental Bio has established itself as a trusted partner for academic and industrial clients seeking high-quality, pathogen-free models. Through continuous enhancement of breeding technologies and expansion of service offerings, it contributes significantly to advancing biomedical research and enhancing the reliability of preclinical studies in the region.

Institute for Experimental Animals, RIKEN BioResource Research Center

RIKEN BioResource Research Center is a key player in the Asia Pacific animal model market, particularly in Japan, where it serves as a national hub for model development and distribution. The institute maintains one of the largest repositories of genetically modified mouse strains globally and promotes open-access resources for researchers. By facilitating collaboration between academia and industry, RIKEN enhances the availability and standardization of animal models. Its contributions extend beyond Japan, influencing global research trends in disease modeling and precision medicine through innovative genetic engineering techniques and data-sharing initiatives.

Top Strategies Used by Key Market Participants

One of the primary strategies employed by key players in the Asia Pacific animal model market is expanding localized infrastructure and breeding facilities to meet growing demand and ensure supply chain efficiency. Companies are investing in state-of-the-art vivariums and production centers within major APAC countries to provide region-specific models while maintaining international quality standards.

Another critical approach is forming strategic collaborations with academic institutions and government agencies to enhance research capabilities and accelerate the development of novel animal models. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, access to funding, and integration into national life sciences initiatives, strengthening the scientific relevance and application of available models.

Additionally, companies are focusing on offering customized model development services, including gene editing and phenotyping, to cater to the specific needs of pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. This client-centric strategy allows for more targeted research outcomes and positions providers as essential partners in the drug discovery process.

COMPETITION OVERVIEW

The competition in the Asia Pacific animal model market is shaped by a dynamic mix of multinational corporations, regional biotech firms, and academic institutions, all striving to meet the rising demand for reliable preclinical research tools. Global players such as Charles River Laboratories and Envigo maintain a strong foothold through their advanced breeding technologies, extensive strain repositories, and well-established distribution networks. At the same time, local enterprises and research organizations in countries like China, Japan, and India are rapidly expanding their capabilities, offering cost-effective alternatives and specialized models tailored to regional disease profiles.

Collaboration plays a crucial role in this competitive landscape, with many companies partnering with universities and government-funded research bodies to drive innovation and expand their service portfolios. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on ethical sourcing, regulatory compliance, and the development of alternative methods, which influences market positioning and differentiation strategies. As the demand for personalized medicine and complex disease modeling increases, the competition is expected to intensify, with companies vying to offer superior model customization, faster delivery times, and integrated research support services across the Asia Pacific region.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

• In March 2024, Charles River Laboratories expanded its facility in Shanghai, China, to increase production capacity for genetically engineered rodent models. This expansion was aimed at supporting the growing demand from Chinese pharmaceutical companies and research institutions for customized animal models used in oncology and immunology studies.
• In June 2023, Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd. launched a new line of humanized immune system mouse models in collaboration with a Japanese university. The initiative was designed to enhance preclinical testing capabilities for immuno-oncology therapies and strengthen the company’s position in the translational research space across Asia.
• In November 2023, RIKEN BioResource Research Center announced a partnership with a South Korean biotech firm to co-develop and distribute genetically modified mouse lines for neurodegenerative disease research. This collaboration aimed to improve regional access to standardized models and foster cross-border innovation in biomedical research.
• In February 2024, Inotiv, a U.S.-based provider of animal models and research services, entered into a joint venture with an Australian research organization to establish a regional distribution center for laboratory animals. This move was intended to enhance supply chain efficiency and meet the increasing demand for high-quality models in the ANZ market.
• In August 2023, GenoTech Bioscience, a South Korean animal model supplier, acquired a smaller domestic firm specializing in zebrafish models for developmental biology and toxicology studies. This acquisition was aimed at broadening GenoTech’s product portfolio and strengthening its presence in both academic and commercial research sectors across Asia.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the Asia Pacific animal model market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Application Scope

• Cancer
• Immunological Disease
• Infectious Disease
• Others

By Animal Type Scope

• Mice
• Rat
• Guinea Pigs
• Rabbits
• Hamsters
• Others

By End-use

• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
• Academic Research Institute
• Contract Research Organization

By Country

• India
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Vietnam              
• Philippines
• Indonesia
• Singapore
• Rest of APAC