Global Rat Model Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• August 2016, Charles River Laboratories, Inc. entered into a strategic partnership with The Milner Therapeutics Institute and Consortium (UK). This partnership with the Consortium allows the academic institutions access to Charles River's early discovery and drug development and services for the early stage drug development processes.

• September, 2016, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. acquired Agilux Laboratories (US), a provider of bioanalytical services, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic services, and pharmacology services. This acquisition is expected to compliment Charles River's non-clinical portfolio and improve the clients' early-stage research efforts by enabling them to seamlessly transition their drug candidates through the discovery and safety assessment process.

• October 2015, Horizon Discovery Group plc expanded its UK based headquarters. The new facility is likely to accommodate 200 employees across manufacturing, services, research, and general and administrative functions.

The segmentation by type encompasses various rat strains and models utilized in research, including inbred strains, outbred stocks, genetically modified rats, and disease-specific models. Each type of rat model offers unique advantages and applications in different areas of biomedical research, ranging from basic physiology studies to disease modeling and drug development.

The segmentation by technology highlights the sophisticated tools and techniques used to generate and characterize rat models, including genetic engineering methods such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, transgenic technology, and RNA interference. These advanced technologies enable researchers to precisely manipulate the rat genome, introduce specific genetic mutations, and create disease-relevant phenotypes for studying human diseases and therapeutic interventions.

Geographical segmentation of the Global Rat Model Market reflects regional variations in research infrastructure, funding, and regulatory environments, influencing the adoption and utilization of rat models in biomedical research. North America and Europe dominate the global market, driven by robust academic research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government funding initiatives supporting biomedical research. These regions are characterized by extensive use of rat models in diverse research areas, including neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.

Global Rat Model Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Rat Model Market has been segmented by Type, Technology and Geography.

Global Rat Model Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Rat Model Market has been segmented by Type into Outbred, and Knockout.

Outbred rat models, characterized by genetic heterogeneity and variability, are widely used in preclinical studies for assessing drug efficacy, toxicity, and safety across diverse genetic backgrounds. These models mimic the genetic diversity found in human populations, making them valuable tools for studying complex traits, pharmacogenetics, and gene-environment interactions in biomedical research.

Knockout rat models, on the other hand, are genetically engineered to harbor specific gene mutations or deletions, enabling researchers to elucidate the functions of individual genes, pathways, and molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases. By selectively targeting and disrupting genes of interest using advanced genetic engineering techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, researchers can create knockout rat models with precise genetic modifications that recapitulate human disease phenotypes and facilitate the development of targeted therapies and precision medicine approaches.

Outbred rat models offer advantages in terms of genetic diversity, robustness, and reproducibility, making them suitable for a wide range of preclinical applications, including drug screening, toxicity testing, and behavioral studies. These models are particularly valuable for studying complex diseases with multifactorial etiology, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and psychiatric conditions, where genetic variability and environmental factors play significant roles in disease susceptibility and progression.

Knockout rat models, on the other hand, enable researchers to investigate the specific roles of genes and molecular pathways in disease pathogenesis, identify therapeutic targets, and validate drug candidates in preclinical studies. These models serve as valuable tools for studying monogenic diseases, rare genetic disorders, and gene therapy approaches, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatment strategies that can translate into clinical applications.

Global Rat Model Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Global Rat Model Market has been segmented by Technology into Embryonic Stem Cell, and Microinjection.

Embryonic stem cell technology involves the manipulation of pluripotent stem cells derived from early-stage embryos to introduce specific genetic modifications, such as gene knockout or gene insertion, before these cells are implanted into recipient embryos for generation of chimeric animals. This approach allows for precise targeting of genes of interest and the creation of complex genetic modifications in rat models, offering researchers unparalleled control over the genetic makeup and phenotypic characteristics of the resulting animals.

Microinjection, on the other hand, is a widely used method for introducing exogenous DNA constructs, such as transgenes or gene editing tools, directly into the pronuclei of fertilized rat embryos. This technique enables researchers to generate transgenic rat models with stable integration of foreign DNA sequences into the host genome, thereby introducing specific genetic modifications or gene expression patterns that mimic human disease phenotypes. Microinjection-based approaches offer flexibility and efficiency in generating genetically modified rat models, allowing for rapid production of founder animals with desired genetic alterations for subsequent breeding and phenotypic characterization.

Global Rat Model Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Rat Model Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Rat Model Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America and Europe represent established hubs for biomedical research, boasting robust academic institutions, research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies engaged in preclinical and translational research. These regions lead the global rat model market in terms of research funding, infrastructure, and technological innovation, driving advancements in disease modeling, drug discovery, and therapeutic development. The presence of leading rat model suppliers, contract research organizations, and biotechnology firms further contributes to the growth and sophistication of the market in these regions.

Asia Pacific is witnessing rapid growth and expansion in the rat model market, fueled by increasing investment in biomedical research, rising demand for preclinical services, and the emergence of research hotspots in countries such as China, Japan, and India. The Asia Pacific region offers significant opportunities for market players seeking to expand their presence and tap into growing research capabilities, genetic resources, and collaborative partnerships in the region.

Middle East and Africa, as well as Latin America, represent emerging markets for rat models, characterized by evolving research landscapes, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and growing investments in life sciences research. These regions offer untapped potential for market growth, driven by increasing government initiatives, academic collaborations, and pharmaceutical industry investments in preclinical research and drug development.