Discussing the Ethical Issue of Medical Testing on Animal Models and the Future Growth Opportunities to the Industry

In medical research, certain animals are genetically engineered for testing and investigating the effect of human diseases on them. Such genetically modified animals are called animal disease models or simply animal models. The utility of animal models has been increasing over the years due to the breakthroughs in medical research which were made possible due to animal models.

Ethicality of medical research on animal models

The issue of medical testing on animals has always been a subject of controversy. The ethicality of medical testing on animals has always been heavily debated. One side has argued that testing on animals stems out of the notion that animal lives are less precious than human lives. On the other hand, people who support testing on animals argue that it serves a larger purpose and that it is based on the principle of ‘the greatest good for the greatest number of people’. This debate put in place certain regulations to avoid indiscriminate use of animals for testing and also to prevent cruelty on animals in the name of medical testing.

Almost all countries today have passed legislations that prohibit animal cruelty and also require researchers to follow certain norms for testing on animal models. Also, the initiatives taken by non-governmental organizations such as PETA and BUAV have put an obligation on the researchers to conduct tests on animals with caution. Today, every research group has to fulfil four conditions before conducting medical tests on animal models. Firstly, the research, if successful, should involve significant benefits for the entire humankind. Secondly, animal suffering should be avoided as far as possible. Thirdly, if the animal does go through any suffering, it should be proportional to the benefit that the research will have. And finally, every new medication should have sufficient scientific backing before actually testing it on the animal.

Future growth opportunities for the market

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the animal model market will grow at a CAGR of 6.6% in the 2023-2032 timeframe. The increasing adoption of CRISPR technology for formulation of new medications has opened up numerous growth opportunities for the market. Additionally, increasing research on cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous system diseases has increased the demand for animal models. Similarly, a rise in the prevalence of infectious viral diseases is anticipated to push the growth rate of the market higher.

In addition to these factors, research initiatives and product launches by the private sector are also sure to play a key role in the expansion of this market. For instance, Charles River Laboratories, in January 2023, announced the launch of two NCG mouse strains. This product launch will help the company to expand its triple-immunodeficient mouse model portfolio and thus help them to cater to the demands of the market more effectively.

The animal model market, to summarize, has always been in the limelight owing to the ethical issue of medical testing on animals. The increasing adoption of CRISPR technology and product launches by the private sector are expected to contribute to the growth of the market.

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