Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Modality;
Small Molecules Modality and Large Molecules ModalityBy GLP Type;
GLP Type into Non GLP, and GLP ToxicologyBy Product type;
Rodent Based and Non Rodent BasedBy Applications;
Autoimmune, Pain Management, Oncology, CNS Conditions, Diabetes, Obesity, and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Introduction
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market was valued at USD 3,777.62 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 6,308.17 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6%.
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 7.6 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
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Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 7.6 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 3,777.62 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 6,308.17 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 347 |
Major Players
- PPD Inc
- Quintiles
- ICON Plc
- Parexel International Corporation
- American Preclinical Services
- LLC
- Labcorp Drug Development
- Theorem Clinical research
- WuXi AppTec
- Syneos Health
- Evotec
- Charles River Laboratories
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by the increasing demand for preclinical and clinical research services. In vivo CROs play a crucial role in early-stage drug development, supporting studies in toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy. Notably, nearly 60% of drug development processes rely on CROs, reflecting their critical role in accelerating drug discovery through cost-effective and time-efficient solutions.
Rising Outsourcing Trends
As the complexity of clinical trials continues to grow, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly opting for outsourcing to specialized CROs. Currently, more than 55% of companies prefer outsourcing preclinical studies to reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency. This approach helps companies focus on core competencies while mitigating the risks associated with drug development.
Regulatory Support and Compliance
Strict regulatory standards and the demand for compliance are further fueling the growth of in vivo CROs. Currently, over 50% of drug candidates require extensive preclinical safety testing to meet regulatory requirements before moving into clinical trials. This creates significant opportunities for CROs that can offer comprehensive testing services, ensuring regulatory approval and faster market entry.
Market Potential and Growth Outlook
With a strong focus on drug innovation and personalized medicine, the in vivo CRO market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. Nearly 70% of pharmaceutical companies are expected to expand their outsourcing budgets, highlighting the increasing reliance on CROs for preclinical and clinical support. This trend underscores the critical role of in vivo CROs in driving healthcare innovation.
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market Recent Developments
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In November 2023, Charles River Laboratories has partnered with Aitia to advance drug development and in vivo oncology research.
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In January 2023, Evotec SE has formed a partnership with Janssen Biotech to develop targeted immune-based therapies for oncology.
Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market has been segmented by Modality, GLP Type, Product Type, Applications and Geography.
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, Segmentation by Modality
The Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market has been segmented by Modality into Smalll Molecules Modality, and Large Molecules Modality.
Small Molecules ModalityThe Small Molecules Modality segment represents approximately 60% of the global in vivo CROs market. This segment specializes in preclinical and clinical research for small-molecule drug candidates, benefiting from standardized protocols, scalability, and diverse therapeutic applications. Its continued dominance is driven by its adaptability across a wide range of indications.
Large Molecules ModalityThe Large Molecules Modality segment contributes around 40% of the global market. Encompassing biologics like monoclonal antibodies, proteins, and cell therapies, this segment is expanding rapidly due to rising demand for innovative biologic drugs and the need for advanced in vivo testing services to support complex therapeutic development.
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, Segmentation by GLP Type
The Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market has been segmented by GLP Type into Non GLP and GLP Toxicology.
Non GLPThe Non GLP segment accounts for around 40% of the global in vivo CROs market. This category covers exploratory research and early-stage proof-of-concept studies, essential for evaluating the potential of new drug candidates. These studies help de-risk later-stage development by identifying promising compounds before formal regulatory submissions.
GLP ToxicologyThe GLP Toxicology segment contributes approximately 60% of the market. It encompasses comprehensive studies conducted under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, ensuring compliance and data integrity for regulatory submissions. This segment plays a crucial role in advancing drug candidates through the preclinical pipeline.
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, Segmentation by Product Type
The Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market has been segmented by Product Type into Rodent Based and Non Rodent Based.
Rodent BasedThe Rodent Based segment dominates the global in vivo CROs market with around 70% share. Rodents, including mice and rats, are extensively used for preclinical research due to their genetic similarity to humans, low cost, and ability to model a wide range of diseases. Their widespread use makes them a cornerstone of preclinical drug testing.
Non Rodent BasedThe Non Rodent Based segment holds approximately 30% of the market. This category involves using larger animal models such as dogs and non-human primates, which are critical for certain complex and translational studies. Their use ensures regulatory compliance and robust data generation for advancing therapies into human trials.
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, Segmentation by Applications
The Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market has been segmented by Applications into Autoimmune, Pain Management, Oncology, CNS Conditions, Diabetes, Obesity and Others.
AutoimmuneThe Autoimmune segment contributes about 20% to the global in vivo CROs market. This segment is driven by the increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases and the need for animal models to explore disease mechanisms and test innovative therapies, supporting preclinical research advancements.
Pain ManagementThe Pain Management segment holds nearly 10% of the market. Focused on developing and evaluating new analgesic treatments, it utilizes in vivo models to assess drug efficacy and safety in managing various pain conditions.
OncologyThe Oncology segment leads with approximately 30% of the total market share. The rising global incidence of cancer and the continuous push for novel oncology therapeutics make this segment a cornerstone of preclinical research services offered by CROs.
CNS ConditionsThe CNS Conditions segment represents around 15% of the market. This segment focuses on studying central nervous system disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy, through specialized in vivo models to understand disease progression and therapeutic potential.
DiabetesThe Diabetes segment holds about 10% of the market. It supports the development of antidiabetic drugs by utilizing animal models to study insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and potential treatments for diabetes management.
ObesityThe Obesity segment contributes roughly 5% to the market. It focuses on preclinical research into weight management therapies and metabolic conditions, using animal models to simulate human obesity for therapeutic development.
OthersThe Others segment captures approximately 10% of the market. This diverse category includes research into rare diseases, infectious diseases, and regenerative therapies, reflecting the growing breadth of in vivo CRO applications.
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North AmericaThe North America segment commands around 40% of the global in vivo CROs market. Strong research infrastructure, high investment in pharmaceutical R&D, and a supportive regulatory framework drive the region’s leadership in advanced in vivo preclinical research services.
EuropeEurope contributes nearly 30% to the market, supported by established research institutions, robust government funding, and a focus on reducing animal testing through advanced in vivo models. Collaborative efforts between academia and CROs further fuel growth.
Asia PacificThe Asia Pacific segment holds about 20% of the market. Growing investment in biopharmaceutical R&D, expanding CRO networks, and rising demand for cost-effective research solutions are key drivers of regional expansion in countries such as China, India, and Japan.
Middle East and AfricaMiddle East and Africa capture around 5% of the market. Ongoing improvements in healthcare infrastructure, increasing collaborations with international CROs, and heightened awareness of advanced research methodologies contribute to gradual market growth.
Latin AmericaLatin America represents approximately 5% of the market. Expanding pharmaceutical industries, favorable regulatory environments, and growing outsourcing of preclinical research are fueling regional growth, particularly in countries like Brazil and Argentina.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
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Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Advancements in Biopharmaceutical Research
- Extensive Use of In Vivo Studies
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Increased Focus on Biologics - Increased focus on biologics is a major driver of growth in the global in vivo contract research organizations (CROs) market. Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, cell therapies, and gene therapies, require complex and highly specialized preclinical testing to evaluate efficacy, safety, and immune response in living models. As pharmaceutical and biotech companies expand their biologics pipelines, they increasingly rely on in vivo CROs with advanced capabilities and regulatory expertise to support the development process.
In vivo CROs offer the infrastructure, technologies, and experience needed to conduct rigorous animal model testing aligned with global standards. The growing demand for precision testing in biologics—along with rising R&D investments and a shift toward outsourcing strategies—is driving long-term market growth. These services accelerate time-to-market and allow sponsors to focus on core innovation while ensuring compliance and data integrity.
Restraints
- Ongoing Regulatory Approval Challenges
- Significant Biopharma Cost Constraints
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Prevailing Ethical Research Concerns - Prevailing ethical research concerns serve as a significant restraint in the global in vivo contract research organizations (CROs) market. The use of animal models in preclinical research often raises public and institutional scrutiny over animal welfare, testing justifiability, and transparency in research practices. These concerns have prompted the implementation of stricter ethical guidelines and increased pressure on CROs to justify the scientific necessity of animal studies, adding complexity to study design and approval processes.
Compliance with animal rights regulations and global standards such as the 3Rs principle—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—requires significant investment in infrastructure, monitoring, and reporting. Failure to meet ethical expectations can lead to reputational damage, regulatory delays, or even trial discontinuation. As advocacy for alternative testing models gains traction, in vivo CROs may face limitations in scalability and broader market acceptance unless they adopt more transparent, ethically sound practices.
Opportunities
- Advancements in Biosimilar Development
- Widespread Use of Monoclonal Antibodies
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Emerging Focus on Bispecific Antibodies - The emerging focus on bispecific antibodies offers strong growth potential for the global in vivo contract research organizations (CROs) market. These advanced biologics, capable of binding to two different targets simultaneously, are gaining momentum in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other complex conditions. Their unique mechanisms require detailed in vivo studies to assess efficacy, safety, and immune interactions, driving demand for CROs with advanced preclinical capabilities.
With an expanding pipeline of bispecific therapeutics, pharmaceutical and biotech companies are increasingly outsourcing preclinical testing to specialized CROs. These organizations provide access to customized animal models, humanized systems, and regulatory expertise, all of which are essential for accelerating development. As bispecifics become central to biologic innovation, in vivo CROs are well-positioned to capitalize on this growing market segment.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market include:
- PPD Inc
- Quintiles
- ICON Plc
- Parexel International Corporation
- American Preclinical Services
- LLC
- Labcorp Drug Development
- Theorem Clinical research
- WuXi AppTec
- Syneos Health
- Evotec
- Charles River Laboratories
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Modality
- Market Snapshot, By GLP Type
- Market Snapshot, By Product Type
- Market Snapshot, By Applications
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Advancements in Biopharmaceutical Research
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Extensive Use of In Vivo Studies
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Increased Focus on Biologics
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- Restraints
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Ongoing Regulatory Approval Challenges
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Significant Biopharma Cost Constraints
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Prevailing Ethical Research Concerns
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- Opportunities
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Rising Demand for Biologics
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Advancements in Biosimilar Development
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Widespread Use of Monoclonal Antibodies
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, By Modality, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Smalll Molecules Modality
- Large Molecules Modality
- Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, By GLP Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Non GLP
- GLP Toxicology
- Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Rodent Based
- Non Rodent Based
- Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, By Applications, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Autoimmune
- Pain Management
- Oncology
- CNS Conditions
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Others
- Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global In Vivo Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Market, By Modality, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- PPD Inc
- Quintiles
- ICON Plc
- Parexel International Corporation
- American Preclinical Services
- LLC
- Labcorp Drug Development
- Theorem Clinical research
- WuXi AppTec
- Syneos Health
- Evotec
- Charles River Laboratories
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market