The global in vivo CRO market size was valued at USD 4.98 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7.96 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.13% from 2025 to 2030. This growth outlook is supported by several key factors, including the rising burden of cancer patients worldwide, the expansion of in vivo pharmacology studies, and the increasing number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dedicating significant resources to the research and development of novel therapeutics. As drug discovery becomes more complex, companies are relying heavily on in vivo CROs to provide specialized expertise and faster, more efficient preclinical testing.

In addition, in vivo CROs are benefiting from the rising number of contract research organizations, along with expanding research and development initiatives and preclinical studies across the industry. These factors collectively contribute to stronger market momentum. Furthermore, increasing investments in in vivo gene-modified cell therapies are expected to further accelerate market growth. For example, in March 2024, Asgard Therapeutics raised USD 33 million in a Series A funding round, which included participation from three pharmaceutical companies. The company develops medicines that modify genes inside the body, and in vivo cell therapies offer the advantage of bypassing the complex and time-consuming process associated with “ex vivo” treatments, where a patient’s cells are extracted, engineered in a laboratory, and reinfused.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the clinical trials and in vivo CRO industries due to disruptions in operations, delays in studies, and global lockdowns. However, the impact on the in vivo CRO market was comparatively moderate, as many contract research organizations actively redirected efforts toward the research and development of COVID-19 treatment therapeutics, continuing to provide essential in vivo preclinical services. Despite this, the overall integrity of clinical trials registered worldwide remained vulnerable as the pandemic intensified.

In the post-pandemic period, the industry has experienced renewed growth driven by the rising demand for innovative technologies and a greater need for patient-friendly therapeutics. Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies have also increased outsourcing of medical affairs to streamline regulatory processes, especially due to stringent requirements from regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA. These trends have contributed to strengthening the pharmaceutical development pipeline, ultimately supporting positive market growth for in vivo CROs in the coming years.

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• North America held the largest market share of 50.00% in 2024.

This dominance is attributed to the region’s strong research infrastructure, high investment in drug discovery, and the presence of leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Favorable government support, advanced healthcare facilities, and a well-established regulatory framework further strengthen North America’s position in the in vivo CRO industry.

• The U.S. in vivo CRO market held the largest share in 2024.

The U.S. leads due to its extensive network of CROs, a high concentration of R&D activities, and continuous demand for preclinical testing services. The country’s focus on developing innovative therapeutics, along with increasing collaborations between CROs and pharmaceutical firms, contributes significantly to its market leadership.

• By model type, the rodents segment gained the largest market share of 81.95% in 2024.

Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are the most widely used animal models because of their genetic similarity to humans, ease of handling, and suitability for diverse preclinical studies. Their established use in toxicology, oncology, immunology, and pharmacology research underpins the segment’s strong share.

• By modality, the small molecules segment held the largest share in 2024.

Small molecules continue to dominate due to their broad therapeutic applications, lower development complexity compared to biologics, and sustained research interest from pharmaceutical companies. Their widespread use in treating chronic diseases supports the segment’s leading position.

• By indication, the oncology segment dominated the global in vivo CRO market and accounted for a revenue share of 29.02% in 2024.

The high prevalence of cancer globally, along with the urgent need for effective cancer therapies, drives extensive preclinical oncology research. In vivo CROs play a crucial role in evaluating tumor progression, drug efficacy, and toxicity, which contributes to the segment’s significant market share.

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Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 4.98 Billion

• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 7.96 Billion

• CAGR (2025-2030): 8.13%

• North America: Largest market in 2024

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Key players operating across the globe are adopting notable strategic initiatives, such as new mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, to strengthen their competitive position and increase their market share. These collaborative efforts enable companies to expand their capabilities, enhance service offerings, and accelerate the development of advanced therapeutics.

For instance, in January 2023, Evotec SE and Janssen Biotech announced a partnership agreement aimed at innovating targeted immune-based therapies for treating oncology patients. This collaboration focuses on combining expertise in immunology and drug discovery to create more effective treatment approaches for cancer.

Similarly, in November 2023, Charles River Laboratories announced its partnership with Aitia to support drug development and advance in vivo oncology research. This partnership leverages advanced technologies and scientific insights to improve the understanding of disease mechanisms and enhance preclinical research outcomes.

Such strategic initiatives—including collaborations, acquisitions, and joint research programs—are anticipated to drive the market by boosting innovation, improving research efficiency, and enabling companies to offer more comprehensive in vivo CRO solutions.

Key Players

• IQVIA Inc

• Crown Bioscience

• Taconic Biosciences, Inc.

• PsychoGenics Inc.

• Evotec

• Janvier Labs

• Biocytogen

• GemPharmatech

• Charles River Laboratories

• Icon Plc

• Labcorp Drug Development

• Parexel International Corporation

• SMO Clinical Research (I) Pvt Ltd

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Conclusion:

The in vivo CRO market is expected to grow strongly, driven by increasing drug development activity, especially in oncology, and rising demand for small-molecule research. Innovation, outsourcing, and regulatory compliance are also fueling expansion. Despite challenges, CROs that invest in technology, advanced animal models, and global capacity are well-positioned to benefit from growing preclinical R&D needs.