December 30, 2024
As we look ahead to 2025, the field of Non-Human Primate (NHP) studies faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The year 2024 brought significant changes to the biomedical research landscape, many of which will have lasting implications for NHP studies moving into the new year. From supply chain disruptions to shifting market dynamics, the landscape is evolving. At Envol Biomedical, we’ve been actively positioning ourselves to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring we remain a trusted partner for those conducting vital research in pharmacology, toxicology, and gene therapy.
Key Trends That Will Shape 2025
1. Supply Chain Shifts and Sustainability
One of the most pressing challenges in 2024 has been the continued strain on the global NHP supply chain. While demand for primates decreased somewhat in the tail end of 2023 and into 2024—largely due to a downturn in biotech funding—the supply chain issues persist. The COVID-19 pandemic created a perfect storm of disruptions, particularly affecting imports from countries like China and Cambodia. Although there was some rebound in 2024, the industry still faces a limited number of reliable suppliers, which remains a critical concern for NHP studies. For the Cambodian supply there is a new development as of January, 2025. In January CITES has recommended to stop exports of Cambodian NHP to all member countries. This recommendation, if ratified by a vote, will cause another disruption to biomedical research supply.
For 2025, this is likely to continue to impact availability and cost, especially as the biotech sector begins to stabilize and funding levels recover. However, the supply chain for NHPs is shifting, with growing emphasis on sourcing animals from regions like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These changes highlight the importance of securing long-term, reliable sources for NHPs, and Envol Biomedical has been proactive in this area. By expanding our own breeding capabilities and forging exclusive agreements with select farms in these regions, we are positioned to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure a steady, high-quality supply of primates for our clients.
2. Biotech Investment Rebounds, and Third-Party Providers Rise
Another significant trend in 2024 was the renewed interest in biotech investment, particularly in the latter half of the year. This has been reaffirmed by positive outlook from the recent JP Morgan investment conference in January, 2025. This renewed optimism was fueled in part by political stabilization in key regions, such as the United States, which has led to a more predictable investment climate. As large pharmaceutical companies began to streamline operations and reduce internal R&D, many of these activities are now being outsourced to third-party providers.
For NHP research, this trend means that smaller biotech companies and CROs (Contract Research Organizations) will increasingly rely on specialized providers for essential services like pharmacology, toxicology, and gene therapy research. Envol Biomedical has been anticipating this shift. While many companies downsized in 2024, Envol focused on growing its capabilities and expanding its workforce to meet the expected surge in demand for high-quality NHP services in 2025. This strategic growth has placed us in a strong position to serve as a reliable partner for biotech and pharma companies looking to outsource their primate studies.
3. Automation and Advancements in Research
Looking toward 2025, there is also an increasing focus on automating processes within NHP research to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Envol Biomedical is investing heavily in infrastructure, automation, and quality control to improve the speed and accuracy of our studies. These innovations will allow us to move faster, with greater precision, and provide even more value to our clients.
By mid-2025, Envol will also be transitioning to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) compliance, further enhancing the quality and reliability of our research services. This move underscores our commitment to providing the highest standard of research, positioning us as a key player in the growing field of outsourced NHP studies.
Envol Biomedical’s Commitment to NHP Research in 2025 (and Beyond)
At Envol Biomedical, we are acutely aware of the challenges facing NHP research and the industry at large. While the disruptions of 2024 have been significant, they have also provided us with valuable insights and opportunities for growth. As we move into 2025, we are focused on the following key priorities:
– Strengthening Our Supply Chain: We’ve expanded our breeding capabilities and forged exclusive agreements with reliable suppliers to ensure a steady supply of primates. This focus on self-sufficiency and risk management will allow us to better support our clients’ research needs, even in times of market uncertainty.
– Expanding Our Workforce and Capabilities: We’ve continued to grow our team of highly trained professionals, allowing us to offer more comprehensive services in pharmacology, toxicology, gene therapy, and other critical areas of NHP research. This expansion ensures that we are prepared to meet the increasing demand for NHP studies as biotech funding rebounds.
– Investing in Automation and Infrastructure: Our ongoing investments in technology, automation, and infrastructure will enable us to offer faster turnaround times, reduce costs, and provide more consistent and reliable results for our clients.
– Adopting GLP Compliance: As we transition to GLP compliance in 2025, we will be better equipped to support clinical trials and regulatory research, ensuring that our studies meet the highest standards of quality and integrity.
Looking Ahead: What 2025 Holds for NHP Research
In 2025, we anticipate a strong rebound in the biotech sector, which will drive increased demand for NHP studies. With funding levels improving, more companies will turn to third-party providers for research and testing services, and Envol Biomedical is well-positioned to meet this demand. By strengthening our supply chain, expanding our capabilities, and investing in innovation, we are ready to help our clients navigate the evolving landscape of NHP research. As the world continues to rely on biomedical research to develop life-saving therapeutics and treatments, Envol Biomedical remains committed to providing the highest quality non-human primates and research services to support these critical advancements. With our strategic growth and investment in the future, we are excited to see what 2025 holds for the field of NHP studies—and we look forward to being your trusted partner in advancing the science of tomorrow.
