Europe Animal Model Market

Europe Animal Model Market Size

The animal model market size in Europe was valued at USD 3 billion in 2024. The European market is estimated to be worth USD 5.57 billion by 2033 from USD 3.21 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.14% from 2025 to 2033.

Animal models are organisms, such as mice, pigs, and cats, genetically or biologically manipulated to mimic human diseases and physiological processes. These models are indispensable for understanding disease mechanisms, testing therapeutic efficacy, and ensuring safety before clinical trials. According to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, over 90% of preclinical studies rely on animal models to validate experimental findings. Over the past few years, the European market is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in genetic engineering technologies, and stringent regulatory requirements for drug approval. As per Eurostat, the European pharmaceutical industry invested €35 billion in research and development (R&D) in 2022, with a significant portion allocated to animal-based studies.

MARKET DRIVERS

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Genetic Disorders

The escalating prevalence of chronic diseases and genetic disorders is one of the primary drivers for the European animal model market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions account for 77% of all deaths in Europe, necessitating advanced research tools for drug discovery and treatment development. Furthermore, as per Eurostat, hospital admissions related to chronic diseases increased by 12% in 2022, intensifying the demand for reliable animal models. The European Medicines Agency estimates that over 60% of preclinical studies utilize genetically modified animals to simulate human diseases, underscoring their critical role in developing targeted therapies. Their ability to provide accurate and reproducible results makes them indispensable in addressing public health challenges.

Advancements in Genetic Engineering Technologies

Technological advancements in genetic engineering are further boosting the European animal model market growth. According to the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, investments in CRISPR, microinjection, and embryonic stem cell technologies exceeded €10 billion in 2022, which is fostering innovation in disease modeling. For instance, CRISPR-Cas9 has enabled the creation of precise genetic modifications in animal models, enhancing their utility in studying complex diseases. As per the European Commission, genetically engineered animal models accounted for 45% of new research projects in 2022, reflecting their growing importance. These advancements not only improve research accuracy but also position Europe as a global leader in cutting-edge biomedical research.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Ethical Concerns and Regulatory Restrictions

One of the major restraints for the European animal model market is the growing ethical concerns and stringent regulatory restrictions governing the use of animals in research. According to the European Directive 2010/63/EU, all animal experiments must adhere to the principles of the "3Rs" (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), which aim to minimize animal suffering and promote alternative methods. In 2022, the European Commission reported that over 30% of proposed animal studies were rejected due to ethical considerations, creating bottlenecks for researchers. Additionally, as per Eurostat, public protests against animal testing led to stricter enforcement of regulations in several member states, further limiting market growth. These factors not only increase compliance costs but also hinder innovation and adoption.

High Costs of Developing and Maintaining Animal Models

High cost associated with developing and maintaining genetically modified animal models, which limits accessibility for smaller research institutions is also impeding the regional market expansion. According to the European Biotechnology Industry Association, the average cost of creating a single genetically modified mouse model exceeds €50,000, making it unaffordable for many academic and small-scale research projects. In 2022, the European Commission reported that maintenance costs for specialized animal facilities accounted for 20% of total R&D budgets, as per the European Research Council. Furthermore, rural and underserved regions often lack access to advanced laboratories equipped to handle genetically modified animals, exacerbating disparities in research capabilities. Addressing these affordability and accessibility issues remains a significant challenge for the market.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Expansion of Personalized Medicine and Rare Disease Research

The growing emphasis on personalized medicine and rare disease research is a significant opportunity for the European animal model market. According to the European Organisation for Rare Diseases, over 30 million Europeans suffer from rare diseases, many of which lack effective treatments. Genetically modified animal models are increasingly being used to study these conditions and develop targeted therapies. As per the European Commission, investments in rare disease research grew by 15% annually between 2020 and 2022, with animal models playing a critical role in advancing clinical trials. Additionally, personalized medicine initiatives, supported by the European Union, have further amplified demand for customized animal models that mimic individual patient profiles, positioning them as transformative forces in the market.

Development of Alternative and Complementary Models

The development of alternative and complementary models is another significant opportunity for the European animal model market. According to the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, investments in organoids, 3D cell cultures, and computational models exceeded €5 billion in 2022, driven by their potential to reduce reliance on traditional animal models. As per the European Commission, alternative models accounted for 25% of new research methodologies in 2022, reflecting their growing importance in ethical and cost-effective research. These innovations not only align with regulatory mandates for reducing animal testing but also enhance research efficiency, positioning them as key enablers of sustainable growth in the animal model market.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Public Opposition and Activism Against Animal Testing

Public opposition and activism against animal testing pose a significant challenge to the European animal model market, undermining its acceptance and sustainability. According to the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments, over 200 protests and campaigns were organized across Europe in 2022, targeting pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. This activism has led to stricter enforcement of regulations and increased scrutiny of animal-based studies. As per the European Commission, public pressure resulted in a 10% reduction in animal testing licenses issued in 2022, highlighting the impact of societal attitudes on market dynamics. These incidents not only delay research timelines but also erode public trust, hindering market growth and innovation.

Limited Availability of Skilled Personnel and Infrastructure

Another pressing challenge is the limited availability of skilled personnel and advanced infrastructure required for maintaining and utilizing animal models. According to the European Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations, over 40% of research institutions face shortages of trained professionals capable of handling genetically modified animals. In 2022, the European Commission reported that rural and underserved regions lacked access to state-of-the-art animal facilities, as per the European Research Infrastructure Consortium. This disparity restricts the ability of smaller institutions to conduct high-quality research, limiting market expansion and innovation. Addressing these gaps requires significant investment in workforce development and infrastructure, which remains a challenge for many European countries.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Animal Type Insights

The mice segment dominated the animal model market in Europe and held 61.9% of the European market share in 2024. The domination of the mice segment in the European market is majorly attributed to their genetic similarity to humans, ease of genetic modification, and cost-effectiveness compared to other animal models. As per Eurostat, mice accounted for 70% of all genetically modified animal studies in 2022, underscoring their critical role in preclinical research. Their ability to replicate human diseases accurately ensures reproducibility and reliability, which is further contributing to the expansion of the mice segment in the European market.

The pigs segment is estimated to register a CAGR of 12.4% over the forecast period owing to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, which is making them ideal for surgical and translational research. According to the European Commission, pigs accounted for 20% of new animal model applications in 2022, reflecting their growing importance in advanced biomedical studies. Their compatibility with complex procedures positions them as transformative forces in the market.

By Application Insights

The Research & Development segment had the largest share of 58.8% of the European market share in 2024 due to the widespread use of animal models in preclinical studies to test drug efficacy and safety. As per Eurostat, R&D accounted for 80% of all animal-based experiments in 2022, underscoring their critical role in advancing scientific knowledge. Their ability to provide accurate and reproducible results ensures their dominance in the market.

The quality control segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 10.9% over the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for rigorous testing of pharmaceuticals and biologics to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. According to the European Commission, quality control accounted for 30% of new animal model applications in 2022, reflecting its growing importance in ensuring product safety. Their alignment with regulatory mandates positions them as key enablers of sustainable market growth.

By End-User Insights

The pharmaceutical companies segment captured 46.1% of the European market share in 2024. The growth of the pharmaceutical companies segment in the European market is attributed to their extensive R&D activities and reliance on animal models for drug discovery and development. As per Eurostat, pharmaceutical companies accounted for 60% of all animal-based studies in 2022, underscoring their critical role in advancing healthcare solutions. Their ability to leverage advanced models ensures their dominance in the market.

The Contract Research Organizations (CROs) segment is anticipated to grow at a promising CAGR of 14.4% over the forecast period. The growing outsourcing of preclinical studies by pharmaceutical companies to reduce costs and accelerate timelines is one of the major factors propelling the growth of the CRO segment in the regional market. According to the European Commission, CROs accounted for 25% of new animal model applications in 2022, reflecting their growing importance in delivering efficient and scalable research solutions.

COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Germany led the market by accounting for 22.9% of the European market share in 2024. The advanced research infrastructure of Germany and strong pharmaceutical sector drive demand for animal models in this country. According to Eurostat, Germany accounts for 30% of Europe’s R&D expenditures, which is necessitating robust animal-based studies. Additionally, the presence of leading biotech companies fosters innovation is further fuelling the animal model market in Germany and strengthening the position of Germany in the European market.

France is another major market for animal models in Europe. The growth of the French market is driven by its strong focus on genetic engineering and chronic disease research, as per the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. According to the European Medicines Agency, France recorded over 1,000 animal-based studies in 2022, underscoring their critical role in addressing public health challenges. Government funding for research has also bolstered adoption.

Italy is predicted to expand at a prominent CAGR over the forecast period owing to the high prevalence of rare diseases and robust healthcare system, as per the Italian Ministry of Health. According to the European Organisation for Rare Diseases, Italy’s rare disease research accounted for 20% of new animal model applications in 2022, reflecting its growing importance in advancing personalized medicine. Its widespread use in hospitals and research institutes positions Italy as a key contributor to the regional market.

Spain accounts for a notable share of the European market owing to the growing emphasis on translational research and chronic disease management, as per the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. According to Eurostat, Spain’s healthcare expenditures on chronic diseases reached €10 billion in 2022, highlighting the importance of animal models in addressing public health challenges.

The UK is also playing a key role in the European market. The advanced pharmaceutical industry and rising adoption of CRISPR technology are driving the UK animal model market growth. According to the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, the UK’s investment in genetic engineering grew by 25% in 2022, positioning it as a leader in innovative research methodologies.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Some notable companies that dominate the Europe animal model market profiled in this report are Horizon Discovery Group plc Charles River Laboratories International Inc. Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals Inc. Trans Genic Inc Envigo CRS SA Eurofins Scientific SE Crown Bioscience Inc. The Jackson Laboratory Genoway SA, and Others.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

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

By Animal Type

• Pigs
• Cats
• Mice

By Application

• Research & Development
• Production
• Quality Control

By End-User

• Research Institutes
• Educational Institutes
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Contract Research Organizations

By Country

• UK
• France
• Spain
• Germany
• Italy
• Russia
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Turkey
• Czech Republic
• Rest of Europe