Vietnam Announces Plans to Join International mRNA Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trials Starting 2026
核心洞察
Vietnam plans to participate in international clinical trials of mRNA-based cancer (搜索) vaccines beginning in 2026, marking a significant step in the country's advanced biomedical research capabilities.
The initiative is part of implementing the Politburo's Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, with collaboration planned with international partners including Russia and France.
Vietnam is simultaneously accelerating technology transfer agreements, including an expected cooperation with Sanofi to produce three types of vaccines domestically using modern French manufacturing technologies.
Vietnam plans to join international clinical trials of mRNA-based cancer (搜索) vaccines and other next-generation vaccines starting in 2026, according to Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan. This strategic initiative represents a significant advancement in the country's biomedical research capabilities and aligns with the government's broader technology transformation goals.
Strategic Technology Priorities
The announcement comes as Vietnam's health sector accelerates implementation of the Politburo's Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation. The sector has identified several strategic technologies that both meet public demand and align with long-term development goals.
Among the priority areas are vaccines and biological products, advanced therapies, and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Vietnam is expected to collaborate with international partners, including Russia and France, in conducting clinical trials for new-generation vaccines, particularly those using mRNA technology for cancer (搜索) treatment.
Technology Transfer and Domestic Production
In parallel with research efforts, Vietnam is accelerating technology transfer to strengthen its domestic vaccine production capacity. A cooperation agreement is expected between the Ministry of Health, the Tam Anh General Hospital (搜索), and the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi to transfer advanced technologies for producing three types of vaccines in Vietnam.
These include a six-in-one combination vaccine (搜索), an influenza vaccine and a meningococcal vaccine, all based on modern French manufacturing technologies. This partnership represents a significant step toward establishing Vietnam's self-sufficiency in vaccine production.
Advanced Therapeutic Development
Beyond vaccines, the health sector is prioritizing the development and application of advanced therapies. These include clinical research and efforts to master CAR-T cell therapy and stem cell therapy, being implemented through cooperation with Japan. The country is also focusing on the use of 3D technology and personalized approaches in orthopedic trauma treatment.
Artificial intelligence is being increasingly integrated into medical practice, particularly in next-generation gene sequencing for cancer (搜索) treatment and prenatal screening. This technological integration represents a comprehensive approach to modernizing Vietnam's healthcare infrastructure.
Human Resources Investment
To support these ambitious goals, efforts are underway to strengthen high-quality human resources in the medical field. A proposal is being developed to invest in five key medical universities, including the Hanoi Medical University (搜索), Hanoi University of Pharmacy (搜索), University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Vietnam University of Traditional Medicine.
The plan is expected to be submitted for government approval later in 2026, alongside the rollout of standardized professional competency frameworks across the healthcare sector. This comprehensive approach ensures that Vietnam will have the necessary expertise to support its expanding biomedical research and clinical trial capabilities.