December 10, 2024
As 2024 winds down, the Non-human Primate (NHP) research sector reflects on another year of challenges, resilience, and adaptation. Non-human primates continue to play an integral role in biomedical research, especially in pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and gene therapy. While supply chain issues and shifting market dynamics have affected the industry, 2024 has also provided opportunities for growth and innovation.
2024: A Year of Challenges and Strategic Adjustments
One of the most significant themes in 2024 was the continued struggle with supply chain disruptions that have plagued the industry for several years. The pandemic era, particularly the COVID-19 years, brought about an unexpected uptick in funding for biomedical research. However, this surge in funding was coupled with a reduction in primate supply, particularly from key sources like China and Cambodia. This created a perfect storm of high demand and low supply, putting immense pressure on the NHP supply chain.
While the supply chain challenges persisted into 2024, the year also saw a shift. Demand for NHPs decreased as biotech funding slowed, a reflection of the broader economic pressures on the sector. This reduction in funding translated into fewer studies being conducted, which in turn eased some of the immediate supply chain strain. However, maintaining continuity of supply remained a significant challenge for many organizations.
In response, companies focused on strengthening their supply chain resilience. At Envol Biomedical, for instance, we placed a significant emphasis on expanding our breeding capabilities and strengthening our relationship with supply partners. By focusing on specific regions like Indonesia and the Philippines, we were able to ensure a steady supply of high-quality primates for research purposes. This strategic focus on breeding and supply chain autonomy set us up for future growth.
Looking Ahead: An Optimistic Outlook for 2025
As we transition into 2025, there is a renewed sense of optimism in the research sector. The global political landscape, particularly in the United States, is showing signs of stability, which is likely to lead to a resurgence in biotech investment. With increased investment, there is a renewed focus on advancing research and development, and NHPs will remain crucial to the drug development process. The year 2025 promises to be a pivotal year as large pharma companies shift from in-house testing to outsourcing their research to third-party providers, creating new opportunities for the CRO community.
At Envol Biomedical, we’ve already started to see the early signs of recovery. While 2024 was a challenging year for many in the industry, we’ve used it as a building year, investing in our infrastructure, expanding our team, and enhancing our capabilities. This proactive approach positions us well for the anticipated rebound in biotech funding and research activity in 2025.
As we look to the future, we are particularly excited about the strides we are making in automation and process optimization. These improvements will allow us to increase the speed and efficiency of our operations, ensuring that we can meet the growing demand for NHPs and continue to provide high-quality resources for our clients. Additionally, we are investing heavily in quality and infrastructure, with plans to transition to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) by mid-2025. This move will further enhance our ability to serve the needs of our clients and strengthen our position in the NHP market.
Key Trends to Watch for in 2025
1. Increased Investment and Market Rebound: With renewed interest in biotech and pharmaceuticals, 2025 is set to see increased funding for research and development. This will drive demand for NHPs as critical resources for drug discovery, toxicology testing, and vaccine development.
2. Outsourcing to Third-Party Providers: As large pharmaceutical companies reduce their internal research operations, smaller organizations and third-party providers will take center stage. This shift creates opportunities for companies that can provide reliable, high-quality NHPs and related services.
3. Automation and Efficiency: The CRO industry is undergoing a digital transformation. Automation and process improvements will allow companies to scale operations quickly and meet increasing demand with greater precision and reliability.
4. Quality and Regulatory Standards: With the transition to GLP and other quality-focused initiatives, 2025 will see a stronger emphasis on regulatory compliance and high standards of animal care and welfare.
Envol is Ready for 2025 – and It’s Going to be BIG
The non-human primate sector has faced numerous challenges in 2024, but the groundwork is being laid for a brighter future. As we move into 2025, the combination of increased investment in biotech, a shift towards third-party research providers, and advancements in automation and quality assurance promises a period of growth and opportunity. At Envol Biomedical, we are excited to be part of this evolution, and we remain committed to delivering the highest quality resources and support for the researchers who rely on NHPs to push the boundaries of biomedical science.
The future of NHP research is bright, and as we head into 2025, we look forward to being at the forefront of this exciting journey.
