Charles River Laboratories International (CRL)

The business is best known for its research models and related services. Charles River supplies laboratory animal models with defined genetic and health characteristics, along with specialized services that support preclinical studies. These models are used by researchers to study disease biology, evaluate drug candidates, and generate data before human clinical trials begin.

Beyond research models, Charles River offers discovery and safety assessment services. This part of the company supports drug developers with activities such as target validation, pharmacology, toxicology, and other studies required to assess whether a compound is suitable for further development. By providing these services externally, the company allows customers to access scientific expertise and infrastructure without building all capabilities in-house.

Charles River also operates a manufacturing support segment that includes microbial testing products, biologics testing services, and avian vaccine services. These offerings help customers confirm product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, particularly in biologics and advanced therapies.

The company’s position is distinctive because it spans multiple stages of the research and development process. Its customers rely on it not only for laboratory models, but also for scientific services and quality-control tools that are embedded in drug discovery, preclinical testing, and biomanufacturing workflows.