Our Story

At Charles River, we’re dedicated to helping you accelerate research and drug development—because every moment matters. Our essential products and services empower pharmaceutical, biotech, government, and academic teams to turn possibilities into breakthroughs. From discovery to early development and safe manufacturing, we provide the solutions you need to bring new therapies to patients faster.

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Our Journey and Evolution

What once started as a one-man laboratory in Boston in 1947, overlooking the Charles River, has evolved into a leading global strategic partner providing products and services to help expedite the discovery, early-stage development, and safe manufacture of novel drugs and therapeutics.

We currently operate in >130 facilities in 30 countries
We worked on over 80% of the novel FDA-Approved drugs over the last five years.

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Our Purpose

At Charles River, our purpose is clear—to create healthier lives through world-class science and an unparalleled portfolio of solutions. We are driven by the patients who rely on the treatments we help bring to life, the well-being of the animals in our care, and our unwavering commitment to people and the planet. Every breakthrough, every discovery, and every moment in drug development brings us closer to life-changing therapies.

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Our Promise

Responsibly bringing new therapies to patients is a journey filled with complexity but also with extraordinary potential. We are committed to breaking barriers, streamlining timelines, and driving the next wave of innovation—so that the life-changing treatments of tomorrow reach patients faster and more effectively. We don’t just envision the future of drug discovery and development. We’re transforming it.

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Our Capabilities

Guided by an unwavering commitment to the 3Rs and scientific innovation, we are dedicated to advancing animal welfare while pioneering NAMs that drive more ethical, efficient, and translational research. Through breakthrough methodologies and next-generation technologies, we are reshaping the future of science—where compassion and progress go hand in hand.

 

 

Transform Possibilities into Breakthroughs

Our products and services support clients from basic research and safety assessment to global manufacturing. With our extensive end-to-end portfolio, global capacity, and proven scientific and regulatory advisors, our integrated approach enables maximum speed and confidence on your drive to market.

 

Basic Research

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5,000+ unique lines are cared for by our genetically engineered models and services staff in an average week
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1 out of 2 research models produced for research globally comes from Charles River
100% of Charles River sites have implemented low-stress handling techniques for mice and rats
 

Drug Development

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5,500+ toxicology studies conducted in 2025
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>30,000 reports delivered in the last 12 months
Supported 1,500 IND programs in the last 12 months
8,500+ GLP studies conducted in the last 12 months

New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)

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Virtual Control Groups (VCG) revolutionize safety study design by replacing traditional controls and reducing animal use by up to 25% in safety assessment
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Human Intestinal Organoids Emerging in vitro tools for antiviral toxicity testing
100 IND Submissions containing Retrogenix® platform data supported across multiple regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA, PMDA)
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Awarded $1.3M to advance in vitro inhalation lung toxicology models (with MatTek and ACC), supporting the development of non-animal testing approaches

Global Manufacturing

More than 40,000 testing reports sent per year, supporting 40+ commercial client compounds
25 million+ cartridges sold since 2003 for use with Endosafe® rapid bacterial endotoxin testing platforms
800,000+ environmental monitoring samples processed with Accugenix® microbial identification services globally in 2025
500+ installations of Celsis® rapid microbial detection systems for sterility, microbial limits, and bioburden testing in 2025

 

Because Every Moment Matters

Accelerating the development of life-changing therapies for patients is at the core of what we do.

Vital Science Podcast, highlighting pioneers in drug discovery and development and patient advocacy.

Sounds of Science Podcast

This podcast unveils the compelling stories behind bold science told through the perspectives of those discovering, developing, and receiving life-changing therapies.
Listen and Subscribe

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Conversations in Science

We celebrate the work of our partners and engage in meaningful conversation about the current state and future of scientific innovation and its impact on human health.
Meet the Disruptors

 

This is Your Moment

Our employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe.

Join Our Team

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Experience Charles River