The supply of Cynomolgus monkeys, often referred to as crab-eating macaques, is tightening in the pharmaceutical sector in both China and neighboring regions. Industry observers report a growing shortage that is pushing prices higher as demand remains strong and limited breeding stock continues to constrain availability.
Pharmaceutical firms have increasingly turned to securing Cynomolgus monkeys as essential nonhuman primate models for preclinical and clinical testing. Recent market activity shows a number of suppliers announcing expansions or acquisitions to meet the rising need. For instance, a recent move highlighted the acquisition of a dedicated laboratory facility by a contract partner, while another company with a sizable inventory of 20,000 such animals has positioned itself as a steady source for researchers.
Historically, the unit price for these monkeys has experienced substantial growth. What started at roughly 7,000 yuan per head several years ago has risen to around 160,000 yuan in recent years, reflecting the premium placed on animals that share a high percentage of genetic similarity with humans. In U.S. dollars and euros, the price surge is significant, underscoring the profitability of breeding and supplying nonhuman primates for drug development purposes. The market value today indicates a roughly 23-fold increase over a seven-year period, driven by sustained demand from laboratories conducting wear-testing, toxicology studies, and pharmacokinetic analyses.
With estimates suggesting only tens of thousands of macaques are available for research within the broader regional footprint, some industry participants describe a phenomenon of concentrated stockpiling. The Chinese Experimental Primate Breeding and Development Association notes that these animals can outperform mice and rabbits for certain drug-testing applications, thanks to their closer physiological and genetic resemblance to humans. This reality has spurred the growth of dedicated primate farms across Southeast Asia and adjacent markets, creating a complex supply chain that links breeders with research laboratories while often preferring animals that are raised to a specific age before experimentation.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, several Chinese pharmaceutical entities have pursued vaccine research and development that involves experimental primates. While some analysts anticipate a shift as the immediate health emergency recedes, others argue that the capacity and readiness to run clinical trials with primates will continue to shape decisions across the sector. The balance between scientific benefit and ethical considerations remains a central topic in ongoing policy discussions and industry practice.
China maintains strict public health controls to prevent disease spread, including border measures, quarantine protocols for infected individuals, widespread testing, and movement restrictions when necessary. These policies influence logistics, research timelines, and the availability of animal subjects, creating a dynamic environment where science, regulatory oversight, and supply chain performance intersect. In this context, researchers and industry stakeholders emphasize the importance of transparent reporting, humane treatment standards, and adherence to international guidelines as they navigate the evolving landscape of nonhuman primate use in biomedical research.