Experimental study data shows potential scope for expansion
Vietnam has been actively participating in the global clinical trials landscape, particularly in the field of vaccines. Since 2011, Novartis has conducted 78 clinical trials across 50 sites in the country.
One of the most significant recent developments is the clinical trial of ARCT-154 COVID-19 vaccine, which marks the first use of mRNA technology in a vaccine trial in Vietnam. The Hanoi Medical University is spearheading this trial, with the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital also participating.
However, experts have raised concerns about Vietnam's competitiveness in the region. Darrell Oh, chairman of Pharma Group, and Luke Treloar have highlighted limitations in personnel for clinical research, the lack of good clinical practice (GCP) facilities, and the absence of preferential policies and funding sources as key issues.
These challenges have resulted in slower approval times for clinical trials in Vietnam compared to other countries. On average, it takes 160 days at the Ministry of Health level to approve a trial, while Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan have approval times of 18, 20, and 31 days respectively.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism about Vietnam's potential in the clinical trials sector. Dr. Phan Tan Thuan, a prominent figure in the field, sees participating in clinical trials as a treatment opportunity that increases access to new treatment options without cost to patients. He also acknowledges the challenges in terms of facilities and human resources.
The Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital is taking steps to address these challenges. Standardizing processes, improving capacity, and building a research network are priority tasks for the hospital. As a result, the number of clinical studies at the hospital has risen from a few to over 30.
KPMG's estimates suggest that if reforms are effectively implemented, Vietnam could reach almost 90 trials by 2029, with a 24.3% compound annual growth rate and a market value of $749.5 million. This growth could position Vietnam as a key player in the regional clinical trials sector.
However, without addressing the persistent barriers, experts fear that Vietnam may fall behind other regional countries. The clinical trial of ARCT-154 COVID-19 vaccine is a significant step towards Vietnam's advancement in clinical research, but more needs to be done to ensure the country's competitiveness in the field.
As of 2023, Singapore leads the region with 535 active clinical trials, followed by Thailand with 496, Malaysia with 380, and Vietnam with 141. These figures demonstrate the potential for growth in Vietnam's clinical trials sector, but also highlight the need for urgent action to address the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities.
