Key View
- Vietnam’s share of clinical trials will continue to decline, driven by regulatory inefficiencies.
- To reverse the declining clinical trial activity, Vietnam will enact regulatory reforms to boost overall pharmaceutical sector competitiveness.
- However, Vietnam will continue to face increasing competition from regional markets.
Vietnam’s share of clinical trials will continue to decline, driven by regulatory inefficiencies. Vietnam witnessed a period of decline in clinical trial activity between 2018 to 2023 due to persistent regulatory challenges, a shortage of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)-certified facilities, slow start-up times for industrial clinical trials and public hospital capacity constraints, including workforce shortages and operational delays. On average, Vietnam’s clinical trial approval and ethical review process takes 160 days, significantly longer than regional peers such as Indonesia (20 days) and Singapore (18 days). Consequently, these issues diminish Vietnam’s competitiveness and reduce its appeal as a location for conducting industry clinical trials.
Strengthening Vietnam’s Clinical Trials Sector
Vietnam has recently embarked on a series of positive regulatory reforms aimed at revitalizing its clinical trials sector, which has historically lagged behind its regional counterparts. These reforms are part of a broader strategy to attract international pharmaceutical investments and enhance the country’s role in global drug development. Key among these changes is the simplification of administrative processes, reducing bureaucratic red tape and accelerating approval timelines for clinical trials.
By streamlining these procedures, Vietnam is creating a more conducive environment for international collaboration and investment. The government has also introduced measures to ensure higher transparency and ethical standards in clinical research. These steps not only bolster the credibility of Vietnam’s clinical trials but also align with international best practices, fostering trust among global pharmaceutical companies.
Moreover, Vietnam is investing in training programs to elevate the skill levels of its clinical research workforce. This focus on capacity building ensures that the country can support the increased demand for high-quality clinical trials. As these reforms take root, they pave the way for Vietnam to become a more competitive player in the pharmaceutical landscape, promising significant advancements in healthcare and economic development.
