Rat Model Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Outbred, Knockout), By Technology (Embryonic Stem Cell, Microinjection), By Service, By Application, By End-use, By Region- Global Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Regional Outlook and Forecasts, 2022-2030

According to Nova one advisor, the global Rat Model market size was valued at USD 1.24 billion in 2021 and is predicted to hit USD 3.4 billion by 2030 with a registered CAGR of 7.91% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030.

Key Takeaways:

• By type, outbred rat held the largest share in 2021. This is due to the physiological similarity of gene changes in outbred rats as in humans, which attributes to a disease phenotype
• By technology, other technologies (CRISPR/Cas, ZFN, and more)accounted for the largest share in 2021. The advent of genome editing tools has led to custom rat model creation according to the research application, thus contributing to the market demand
• By service, the breeding segment dominated the market in 2021. This is due to the high demand for multiple rat models during experiments to assess genetic variations among a population pool
• By application, in 2021, toxicology held the largest share. Owing to the demand for medications and therapeutics, toxicology studies in rats help analyze various factors such as dosing and route of administration during preclinical stages
• By end-use, the contract research organizations held the largest share in 2021.The robust R&D settings and the multiple drug discovery programs and clinical trials are fueling the segment growth. These activities employ a wide number of rat models to mimic the human response during any treatment
• North America held the largest revenue share in 2021. Growing prevalence of diseases in this region, coupled with the focus of healthcare agencies on this, has resulted in multiple funding to academic institutes for facilitating research in rats

Genetically modified organisms are extensively used in research for identifying potential therapeutic targets and further validation of the same. The extensive healthcare-based research has driven the market for understanding diseases and genetic illnesses of humans.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, researchers were focused on understanding the pathogenesis and transmission of the SARS-CoV2 virus by using the readily available animal model in addition to in-vitro and ex-vivo culture systems. These models also helped in the evaluation of vaccines and antivirals for the treatment. Companies creating transgenic animals used this as a perfect opportunity to provide the scientific community with genetically modified rats for evaluation of SARS-Cov2 entry. For example, in 2020,Envigo created the hACE2 knockinrat model through CRISPR-based technology. ACE2 serving as a primary receptor facilitates the entry of the SARS-CoV2 virus and is being investigated as a potential preventative target.

Animal models continue to be significant tools for preclinical testing of potential therapeutics and understanding disease mechanisms. Increased spending on research and growing number of clinical trials are the key factors contributing to the market growth. The rising incidence of genetic diseases globally and the surge in the use of animal species to advance various groundbreaking therapies are expected to further propel the market growth. Post completion of The Human Genome Project in 2003, there have been evident advancements in synthetic and molecular biology for understanding the genetic basis of diseases. These advanced technologies and products have also made it easier to create genetically engineered models (GEM) of rats, wherein different types such as knockout, outbred, inbred, and conditioned are now available in the market.

The market is expected to observe direct competition from the mouse/mice model. The mice models have been long preferred due to their small sizes and they offer economic as well as more established choices for discovery and early stage research. However, the vast use of gene editing tools in rats and the similarity of rat and human genomes make the rat model suitable for genetic manipulation and handling of experiments, thus fueling the market expansion.

Report Scope of the Rat Model Market

Type Insights

The outbred segment held the largest revenue share of over 26.0% in 2021. The outbred rats represent the genetic variations of humans more accurately, resulting in their vast use during preclinical research. This contributes to the larger share of outbred models. These outbred rats are phenotypically stable to a certain extent and also are less susceptible to differences in the environment, making them a right fit to mimic the genetic variations that eventually result in diseases. Key players such as Charles River Laboratories International Inc. have implemented genetic management programs for their rodent models in line with the InternationalGenetic Standardization (IGS) program. This program ensures that rat models produced across the globe are of the same genetic profile.

The inbred segment accounted for a considerable share in 2021. The predominant use of the inbred rat model in toxicology studies and stable genome structure are facilitating the growth of the segment. A toxicology study using a small number of inbred models of different strains can provide extensive data. Knockout strain is estimated to witness the fastest growth in the forecast period. The advent of genome editing tools has facilitated the generation of knockout rat models. Moreover, owing to the presence of multiple players with a reduced turnaround time for the knockout model, it is expected to observe lucrative growth during the forecast period.

Technology Insights

The other technologies segment held the largest revenue share of over 30.10% in 2021. The other technologies include CRISPR/CAS, ZFN, TALEN, and RNAi, among many others. The developments in synthetic biology and increased application of gene editing tools of aforementioned technologies among many other technologies during model creation are contributing to the segment growth. The ease of genetic manipulation via these molecular tools facilitates the rat model creation procedure efficiently with a shorter timeline for research breakthroughs.

Additionally, during the projected period, advanced genome editing tools are likely to observe the fastest growth. With the recognition of CRISPR-Cas9 in the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, biomedical research has been revolutionized. This editing tool has been employed to establish multiple rat models, which are used for drug-related studies. For instance, as per a review article published in October 2021, a series of knockout rat models has been generated for DMPK (drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics) studies by using the CRISPR-Cas9 method.

Furthermore, the use of microinjection to introduce these nucleases directly into the fertilized embryos eliminates the need for stem cell altercations and saves time. Companies are capitalizing on this market trend and offering custom rat model generation services. The model generation services are mediated by these aforementioned technologies, which is ultimately boosting revenue generation in the market.

Service Insights

In 2021, breeding services held the largest share of over 31.0%. This is due to the increased demand for the rat model for experiments and research studies. The similarity in genome structure, behaviors, and easy handling are a few of the factors that contribute to the growth of the breeding segment. Moreover, the presence of inbred and outbred models to generate different genetic profiles contribute to revenue generation within this segment. Their wide application in various advanced research often requires mating schemes and genome management programs in rodent handling facilities, which further drives the market.

The cryopreservation service segment is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment in the forecast period. This service includes the ultra-freezing of embryos, sperms, and even research strains of the rat, and creates a cost-effective plan to store and back up the required models with anticipated future use. These cryoservices also offer protection to the intended model in case of contamination, natural calamity, unintentional accident, and gene alteration or drift in later generations. Furthermore, the ease of recovering these cryopreserved stocks in 10-12 weeks drives the segment. For example, in a January 2020 published scientific article, researchers from Japan developed a satisfactory protocol for both cryopreservation of rat sperm and in-vitro fertilization. It was even demonstrated in the study that these frozen sperms yielded high fertilization rates.

Application Insights

The toxicology segment held the largest revenue share of over 31.0% in 2021. Continuous demand for medicines and therapies led to growing investments by both government and key healthcare players. This never-ceasing demand for innovative medications and therapeutics drives research activities to advance the health infrastructure. During the preclinical stage of any drug development, the rat model is employed in toxicology studies to assess the dosing regimen, optimal dose, route of administration, and many other parameters. Moreover, during these studies, the rat model helps in analyzing the functioning of organs and protein expression approaches during human treatments. Due to these factors, the application of the rat model in toxicology is massive.

The immunology segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate from 2022 to 2030 owing to the increase in chronic and infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic also increased research activities and drug development required a huge number of rat models. This was because as directed by the US FDA, it is required to verify the efficacy and safety of new candidates in animals before directing them to human clinical trials. Additionally, the development of multiple vaccines all across the globe for the COVID-19 virus demonstrates the usage rate of rats. Such importance of animal models in research and development programs bolsters the future growth of the market.

End-use Insights

CROs held the largest revenue share of over 45.20% in 2021. This can be attributed to increased outsourcing of preclinical and clinical testing by healthcare companies and the consequent rise in the number of CROs. With the presence of multiple product development programs and an aim to increase the market entry speed, pharma and biotech companies usually outsource their trials and testing on rat models to CROs. Moreover, the well-equipped facilities, trained professionals, and legal compliances in places make CROs an attractive option, thus contributing to the lucrative growth of the segment.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment is expected to witness growth in the coming years. The increased application of the rat model during the R&D pipeline and the production of drugs and vaccines for autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases have boosted revenue generation. Furthermore, key players are entering into exclusive partnerships and collaborations to increase the commercialization of innovative models for extensive use in research. For instance, in March 2022, Hera BioLabs announced an agreement with Charles River International Inc. for breeding and delivering its innovative SRG rat. This global license helps Hera BioLabs to commercialize its highly immunodeficient rats to a broader customer base.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest revenue share of over 46.9% in 2021. The growing prevalence of chronic conditions, the advent of novel infectious strains, and the rising healthcare economic burden in North America are likely to assist the research activities within the region. Growth in the number of research activities conducted by research and academic institutes is expected to fuel regional growth. For example, Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative is collaborating with the Medical College of Wisconsin to generate and deliver engineered rat models of autism. This collaboration will cascade research activities for understanding autism in the future.

The APAC region is likely to be driven due to low research and labor costs. This probability of research at a lower cost in APAC countries such as Japan and India is anticipated to stimulate industry growth in this region. The Chinese market held a considerable share in 2021 and is anticipated to retain its dominance over the forecast period due to growing government spending on the overall research and development of pharmaceuticals and a significant rise in the number of clinical trials using animal models.

Some of the prominent players in the Rat Model Market include:

• Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
• Envigo
• genOway S.A.
• Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp)
• Janvier Labs
• Taconic Biosciences, Inc.
• TransViragen, Inc.
• Biomere
• Cyagen Biosciences

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global Rat Model market

• Type

• Knockout
• Outbred
• Inbred
• Hybrid
• Immunodeficient
• Conditioned
• Technology
• Nuclear Transferase
• Microinjection
• Embryonic Stem Cell
• Others
• Service
• Cryopreservation
• Breeding
• Re-derivation
• Genetic Testing
• Quarantine Depending
• Other
• Application
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Immunology
• Toxicology
• Other
• End-use
• CROs
• Academic and Research Institutes
• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

By Geography

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Southeast Asia
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

• GCC
• North Africa
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

• This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the global Rat Model industry analysis from 2022 to 2030 to identify the prevailing Rat Model industry opportunity.
• The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
• Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.
• In-depth analysis of the global Rat Model industry segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
• Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.
• Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.
• The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global Rat Model industry trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies.