Global Rat Model Market 2026-2035

Rat Model Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis by Technology (Micro Injection, Embryonic Stem Cell Injection, Nuclear Transferase Technology, and CRISPR), By Type (Inbred Rats, Knockout Rats, Outbred Rats, and Others), Forecast Period (2026-2035)

Industry Overview

Rat model market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $3.3 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period (2026-2035). Rat models are widely utilized in biomedical research due to their similarities to humans, essential for understanding disease mechanisms and drug testing. Key drivers of their market include advancements in genetic engineering, particularly gene-editing tools like CRISPR/CAS9 that enable the creation of customized models reflecting human diseases. Additionally, the surge in R&D for pharmaceuticals, especially for chronic conditions, and the trend of outsourcing preclinical testing to Contract Research Organizations (CROs) are accelerating demand. Moreover, ongoing government and private funding for life sciences research supports market growth, particularly in North America and the Asia-Pacific.

Market Dynamics

Rising Pre-Clinical Research and Drug Discovery Activity

The global market for rat models is being strongly driven by increasing investment in pre-clinical research by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research organizations (CROs). As companies develop more therapies (small molecules, biologics, gene therapies) and pursue new indications (oncology, neurology, immunology, metabolic disorders), the need for reliable animal models, especially rats for toxicology, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), disease modelling, and drug safety, is increasing. Rats offer physiological and metabolic features closer to humans in many contexts; they are favored for many in-vivo studies, broadening demand for a diverse range of rat models (outbred, inbred, genetically modified).

Advances in Genetic Engineering and Model Sophistication

Another major driver is the technological progress in genetic engineering (such as CRISPR/Cas9, microinjection, embryonic stem cell techniques), enabling the creation of knockout, transgenic, immunodeficient, and humanised rat models. These advanced models provide more predictive and human-relevant platforms for translational research, thereby enhancing their value and adoption. The market reports note that the growth of the knockout/genetically engineered rat segment is outpacing more traditional model types, thanks to these innovations.

Growing Demand from Complex/Chronic Disease Research and Regulatory Expectations

A third driver arises from the rising prevalence of chronic and complex diseases (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, immunologic and inflammatory conditions), which demand more sophisticated pre-clinical models. As drug developers and regulatory agencies increasingly require animal models with higher translational relevance to human disease, the demand for rat models has grown. Additionally, global regulatory and funding bodies continue to support biomedical research, including animal model development, which further stimulates market growth.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the technology, the market is segmented into micro injection, embryonic stem cell injection, nuclear transferase technology, and CRISPR.
• Based on the type, the market is segmented into inbred rats, knockout rats, outbred rats, and others.

Knockout/Genetically Engineered Rats Segment to Grow at a Considerable Market Share

Among all segments in the global rat model market, the knockout/genetically engineered rats segment is projected to lead the market during the forecast period. This segment dominates due to the growing adoption of advanced genetic engineering technologies, such as CRISPR, microinjection, and embryonic stem cell injection, which enable the creation of precise disease models for translational research, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. The increasing demand from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for predictive and human-relevant preclinical models further fuels the growth of this segment. Knockout and genetically engineered rats allow researchers to study gene function, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions more accurately than traditional inbred or outbred rats, making them the preferred choice for R&D and drug discovery applications globally. Their ability to mimic human genetic conditions has positioned them as the largest and fastest-growing segment in the global rat model market.

CRISPR: A Key Segment in Market Growth

In the global rat model market, the CRISPR technology segment is currently the key growth driver and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. CRISPR/Cas9 enables precise gene editing to create knockout, knock-in, and transgenic rat models that closely mimic human disease conditions, offering significant advantages in oncology, neurology, immunology, and metabolic disorder research. Compared to traditional techniques like microinjection, embryonic stem cell injection, or nuclear transfer, CRISPR offers higher efficiency, reduced time for model development, and lower costs, which makes it increasingly preferred by pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and contract research organizations (CROs).

Additionally, CRISPR allows for multiplex gene editing, enabling simultaneous modification of multiple genes to study complex diseases, further accelerating preclinical research and drug discovery. The adoption of CRISPR-based rat models is particularly strong in North America and Europe, where advanced research infrastructure, high R&D investment, and regulatory emphasis on translational and predictive models are concentrated. Microinjection and embryonic stem cell injection techniques continue to hold a significant share, especially for traditional inbred and outbred models, while nuclear transfer technology is gaining traction for creating specialized immunodeficient or humanized rat models.

Overall, the CRISPR segment's rapid adoption, versatility across therapeutic areas, and ability to produce disease-relevant models efficiently position it as the fastest-growing technology segment, driving the overall expansion of the global rat model market. This trend underscores a broader industry shift towards advanced genetic engineering technologies that support precision medicine and high-throughput preclinical studies, shaping the future landscape of animal model research globally.

Regional Outlook

The global rat model market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

North America Region to Hold a Substantial Growth Rate

In North America, the US dominates the global rat model market, holding the largest share due to its well-established pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, robust preclinical research infrastructure, and significant investment in drug discovery and translational research. The U.S. is home to numerous leading contract research organizations (CROs) and academic institutions that rely heavily on rat models for toxicology, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) studies, and disease modeling across therapeutic areas such as oncology, neurology, immunology, and metabolic disorders. High adoption of advanced genetic engineering technologies, particularly CRISPR and knockout/transgenic rat models, has further strengthened the U.S. market's position, enabling faster and more precise preclinical studies.

Additionally, regulatory agencies like the FDA emphasize rigorous preclinical testing, which drives demand for high-quality, disease-relevant rat models. The country also benefits from a strong ecosystem of suppliers, including key players like Charles River Laboratories, Taconic Biosciences, Envigo, and Biomere, which provide a wide range of rat models, including inbred, outbred, and genetically engineered types. North America's leadership in biomedical research funding, along with collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research organizations, ensures continuous innovation and adoption of sophisticated rat models, reinforcing the U.S. dominance. While Europe and Asia-Pacific markets are growing steadily, they continue to trail the U.S. in terms of market size and technological adoption.

The concentration of preclinical research, high R&D expenditure, advanced infrastructure, and strong regulatory frameworks collectively establish the United States as the key driver of the global rat model market, capturing the major share and setting trends that influence the development and commercialization of rat models worldwide.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies operating in the global rat model market include Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., Envigo (Inotiv, Inc.), genOway, Janvier Labs, and Taconic Biosciences, Inc., among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.

Recent Development

• In August 2025, Taconic Biosciences and Cyagen formed a strategic partnership to enhance access to over 16,000 genetically engineered mouse models for preclinical researchers. This collaboration integrates Cyagen's advanced library, which includes knockout and conditional knockout models, with Taconic's expertise in animal production and management. By becoming the exclusive distributor in North America and Europe, Taconic aims to facilitate easier access for scientists engaged in drug discovery and basic research. Both companies emphasize their commitment to high-quality model generation and animal welfare, highlighting the importance of these models in exploring gene functions and supporting drug safety assessments. Cyagen's AI-driven platforms enable cost-efficient model creation, accelerating advancements in various biomedical fields.

The Report Covers:

• Market value data analysis for 2025 and forecast to 2035.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global rat model market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market.