Global Laboratory Animal Diet Market Overview

The global market for laboratory animal diets is projected to expand from US$ 3,797.50 million in 2021 to US$ 5,469.24 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2022 to 2028.

Drivers of Market Growth

The increasing utilization of mouse models in the fields of virology and infectious diseases is a significant driver of market expansion. The growing need for humanized mouse models is expected to create substantial opportunities for market growth throughout the forecast period.

Humanized mouse models are essential in various research areas, including basic research, safety assessments for large molecule therapeutics, and the simulation of human-specific infectious diseases. They are also pivotal in testing the efficacy of immunotherapy approaches. In these models, human proteins are expressed in cells and tissues while silencing mouse proteins, allowing for a more accurate representation of human disease mechanisms.

Applications of Humanized Mouse Models

These models are extensively employed to investigate cancer genetics, autoimmune disorders, regenerative medicine, human hematopoiesis, infectious diseases, transplantation, and autoimmunity. By enhancing the translational value of preclinical research, humanized mice enable researchers to gain deeper insights into disease pathways.

Research involving both mouse and human genes and proteins focuses on optimizing the expression and functionality of human proteins within a murine environment. Recent advancements in these models have also allowed for the study of hematopoiesis, natural immunity, neurobiology, and the molecular signaling pathways that contribute to disease pathobiology. Consequently, humanized mice are invaluable for exploring human pathobiology, natural disease processes, and therapeutic efficacy across a wide range of human diseases.

Humanized mice, which have been xenografted with human cells or engineered to express human genes, are extensively utilized in biomedical research. Their advantages include small size, rapid reproductive cycles, ease of handling, and increased genomic similarity to humans. These factors make them crucial for preclinical studies, particularly in evaluating the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy approaches.

Impact on Vaccine Development

Humanized mouse models have been instrumental in the design and development of vaccines and antibody-based therapies for COVID-19. Since the onset of the pandemic, these models have provided critical insights into the infection and the effectiveness of antiviral therapeutics, thereby supporting the development of effective treatments. Given their importance, the use of humanized mice is expected to rise significantly in the near future.

Importance of Diet in Research

Diet plays a crucial role in the immune response to diseases, making it essential to provide humanized mouse models with diets that closely resemble human nutrition. The increasing demand for these models will consequently drive growth in the laboratory animal diet market during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation

By Diet Type

The laboratory animal diet market is categorized into three segments: standard diet, irradiated diet, and autoclavable diet. In 2021, the standard diet segment held the largest market share, while the irradiated diet segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period.

By Animal Type

The market is also segmented by animal type, including mouse, cat, dog, rabbit, chicken, and others. The mouse segment dominated the market in 2021 and is expected to register the highest CAGR in the coming years. According to a report by Science Buddies in 2022, mice are frequently used as experimental animals due to their genetic similarities to humans, allowing researchers to study specific genes of interest effectively.

The complexity of mouse nutrition is highlighted in a 2022 report by The Jackson Laboratory, emphasizing its significance in preclinical research. Proper diet not only supports the overall health and welfare of mice but also influences their microbial composition, which can significantly affect research outcomes.

By Application

The laboratory animal diet market is further segmented by application into drug discovery & personalized medicine, regenerative medicine, pathology of infectious diseases, drug toxicity & efficacy testing, and others. The drug discovery & personalized medicine segment held the largest market share in 2021, while the pathology of infectious diseases segment is projected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.

Drug discovery is a complex and costly endeavor within the pharmaceutical industry, involving multiple stages from target identification to preclinical testing. The use of animal models has been crucial in enhancing our understanding of disease impacts on both animals and humans. Taconic Biosciences, Inc. estimates that 38% of all mice used in drug discovery are outbred mice, which are produced from the mating of unrelated individuals.

By End User

Finally, the laboratory animal diet market is segmented by end user into pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical companies, research & academic institutes, and others. The pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical companies segment held the largest market share in 2021, while the research & academic institutes segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The use of animals in research is vital for pharmaceutical companies developing new products, as these products must be tested on live animals before human trials can commence.

In conclusion, the laboratory animal diet market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for humanized mouse models and the critical role of diet in research outcomes. Key regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and various scientific institutions have been referenced in the preparation of this market report.