Vietnam aims to receive technology transfer for producing at least 100 original pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biological products by 2030 to meet the high-quality healthcare needs of its people. However, the current state of the domestic pharmaceutical industry faces several limitations that need to be addressed to realize this goal.

Current Status of Pharmaceutical Technology Transfer in Vietnam

At the recent policy dialogue workshop "Promoting Technology Transfer for Drug and Vaccine Production in Vietnam: International Experience and Proposed Solutions" organized by the Health Strategy and Policy Institute (Ministry of Health), Deputy Director of the Drug Administration (Ministry of Health) Ta Manh Hung reported that Vietnam currently has 238 WHO-GMP certified factories, including 17 EU-GMP certified facilities, mainly focusing on generic drug production. To date, Vietnam can produce 15 types of vaccines, meeting 100% of expanded immunization needs and 10% of service immunization demands.

Ta Manh Hung - Deputy Director of the Drug Administration (Ministry of Health) 

Vietnam's pharmaceutical manufacturing technology has nearly reached level 3 out of 4 on the World Health Organization's assessment scale. Domestic drug production meets only 70% in quantity and 46.3% in value, still far from the 2030 target. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical raw materials are mainly imported. The pharmaceutical industry remains focused on generic drug production, with limited attention to high-tech or innovative medicines.
However, the actual results of technology transfer in the pharmaceutical sector remain quite limited. As of 2024, only 20 innovative drugs have been transferred from multinational companies like AstraZeneca, Servier, and Viatris to Vietnam, with 3 drugs receiving registration numbers.

Developing Vietnam's Pharmaceutical Industry to Match Regional Leaders

According to Dr. Nguyen Khanh Phuong - Director of the Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Vietnam's National Strategy for Pharmaceutical Industry Development through 2030, with a vision to 2045, has set the goal: "To develop Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry to match advanced countries in the region. To make Vietnam an ASEAN hub for manufacturing and technology transfer of original pharmaceuticals."

Dr. Nguyen Khanh Phuong - Director of the Health Strategy and Policy Institute

The specific goal by 2030 is: "To strive to become a high-value pharmaceutical manufacturing center in the region. To receive technology transfer and contract manufacturing with technology transfer for at least 100 original drugs, vaccines, biologicals including biosimilars and certain medicines that Vietnam cannot yet produce."

Long-term Benefits for Vietnam's Healthcare System

Technology transfer not only enhances domestic production capacity but also helps improve healthcare quality, ensures national health security, and promotes socio-economic development. Dr. Nguyen Khanh Phuong believes that advanced technology is key to helping Vietnam become a high-value pharmaceutical manufacturing center in the ASEAN region.

Mr. Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam

Mr. Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, believes that the government's strategy and plans are clear, with expectations not just focused on pharmaceutical consumption in Vietnam but aimed at making Vietnam an innovative nation capable of producing innovative medicines in the region.

Pharmedi Vietnam 2025 - Leading Platform for Pharmaceutical Technology Transfer in Vietnam

To create momentum for pharmaceutical technology transfer in Vietnam, Pharmedi Vietnam 2025 promises to become a key event in the regional healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. As a leading connecting platform, the event will not only introduce the most advanced products, technologies, and solutions but also organize practical activities to strengthen links between businesses and investors.

The exhibition will focus on organizing in-depth seminars, connecting industry experts and leading businesses, creating opportunities for cooperation agreements, and promoting technology transfer in drug, vaccine, and medical biological production. This is also an ideal space for domestic enterprises to learn international experiences, thereby enhancing competitiveness and developing high-quality products to meet domestic and export demands.

Register for exhibition space information at: https://pharmed.vn/exhibitor/application-form

Source: suckhoedoisong.vn