If you’re a pharma company, biotech, or CRO looking to expand clinical research in Asia, Vietnam is quickly becoming one of the region’s most attractive destinations for clinical trials. With a large patient population, supportive government policies, and rapid improvements in infrastructure, the country offers sponsors both efficiency and opportunity.
In this post, we’ll explore why Vietnam should be on your radar — and how the Vietnam Society of Clinical Research (VSCR) can help you navigate the process.
Vietnam: A Growing Hub for Clinical Trials
Vietnam’s healthcare system has advanced significantly in recent years:
- 100+ million people, providing a large and diverse patient pool.
- 95% universal health insurance coverage, making recruitment more accessible.
- Wide disease diversity including oncology, infectious disease, cardiology, and metabolic disorders.
- Government commitment to science and innovation, with Resolution 57-NQ/TW aiming for ~2% of GDP investment into R&D.
For sponsors, this means faster recruitment, diverse datasets, and a cost-competitive environment compared to other Asian markets.
Market Outlook: Why Enter Now
Vietnam is on track for rapid growth in clinical research:
- Around 40 GCP-certified sites currently active.
- Projected 86 clinical trials by 2029.
- Market value expected to reach US$749M, growing at nearly 88% CAGR.
Sponsors that enter today will gain first-mover advantages, long-term site relationships, and strong positioning in an emerging market.
Common Barriers — and How They’re Changing
Sponsors often raise concerns about the approval process and infrastructure. These barriers are real, but reforms are underway:
- Approval timelines: Historically 6–12 months → new fast-track pathways for FDA/EMA-approved protocols are being discussed.
- Infrastructure: Limited GCP sites today → expansion plans include more hospitals achieving certification.
- Human resources: Shortage of trained CRCs/CRAs → VSCR is leading certification and professional training programs to close the gap.
Policy Reforms Making Vietnam More Attractive
The future of clinical trials in Vietnam is being shaped by major policy shifts:
- Centralized online submission for regulatory approvals.
- Bilingual documentation to ease sponsor entry.
- Establishment of a National Center of Excellence to connect sites, universities, and sponsors.
- Development of incentive frameworks (tax benefits, streamlined approvals, public–private partnerships).
How VSCR Helps Sponsors
At VSCR, we provide practical support for sponsors entering Vietnam:
- Regulatory guidance — navigating MOH and ethics approvals.
- Site connections — linking you with GCP-certified hospitals and investigators.
- Workforce readiness — training CRCs/CRAs to meet global standards.
- Stakeholder advocacy — pushing for reforms that shorten timelines and improve trial quality.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam is ready for growth in clinical research. Sponsors who move early will benefit from:
- Large patient populations.
- High recruitment potential.
- Strong government support.
- Competitive costs compared to regional peers.
Now is the time to start your clinical trial in Vietnam. Contact VSCR to learn how we can support your next study.