Vietnam Clinical Trials Market, By Phase (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV), By Study Design (Interventional, Observational, Expanded Access), By Indication (Pain Management, Oncology, CNS Condition, Diabetes, Obesity, Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029

Market Overview

Vietnam Clinical Trials Market is anticipated to grow significantly in the projected period of 2028 that is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic, tropical, and other infectious diseases among the people of Vietnam. Also, rapid technological evolution and complete digitalization of procedures evolved in clinical trials that is incorporating usage of mobile and internet are leading to the expansion of Clinical trials market in Vietnam. A clinical trial is a research study that tests medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention on humans. These studies are the primary way researchers determine whether new treatments and preventions, such as new drugs, diets, and medical devices (such as pacemakers), are safe and effective for people. Clinical trials are often aimed at finding out whether new treatments are more effective or have fewer harmful side effects than existing treatments. Before planning and initiating clinical trials, scientists conduct laboratory tests and often also animal studies to test the safety and efficacy of potential interventions. If these studies produce positive results, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will approve the intervention for human experimentation. Once the trial is complete, the data will be analyzed and results are submitted to the participants, public, and the scientific community for consideration.

Clinical research forms the basis for new research ideas and a new clinical research journey begins. Today the globalization of clinical trials has dramatically expanded the Vietnam Clinical Trials Market. In addition, there is an increment in the investments by the government for the development of new products, leveraging the needs of the growing population of Vietnam that brings high prevalence of infectious disease among people of all age groups. Mergers and collaborations between industries and academic institutes for conducting research studies are further driving the Vietnam Clinical Trials Market. Due to the rising awareness among the common people about the need and results of clinical trials, more and more people are now actively taking part in the clinical trials, hence augmenting the growth of Vietnam Clinical trials market in the projected period.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Tropical and Infectious Diseases

One of the prime factors for driving the Vietnam Clinical trials market is the emergence of unknown diseases and infections, which requires immediate action. Clinical trials for rare human diseases can be very beneficial for the people living with life threatening diseases. Some of the recent actively recruiting clinical trials in Vietnam are Ha Nam, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh and Vinh Long City. Research includes aspects of clinical research and immunology, host and pathogen genetics, molecular biology, virology, mathematical modeling, bioinformatics, biostatistics, health economics, and epidemiology. The Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam conducts large scale clinical research studies in Vietnam. They mainly focus on diseases such as Central nervous system infections, Opportunistic infections in HIV, Dengue, Tuberculosis, Influenza / emerging viral infections, Malaria, Typhoid / enteric infections, and antimicrobial resistance. All these factors are leading to the propel the growth of Vietnam Clinical Trials Market in the projected period. As per the World bank, Vietnam health expenditure in 2020 is reported to be 4.68% of the total GDP.

Rising Technological Advancements

In Vietnam, the occurrence of clinical trials has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with Clinical Trials emerging as a popular solution for rare human diseases and the highly prevailing chronic and other infectious diseases. The increasing demand for Clinical Trials can be attributed to the rising awareness of clinical trials and most importantly, the rapid advancements in clinical trials technology. These advancements have not only improved the success rate and durability of Clinical Trials but have also made the procedure more accessible and affordable for a wider range of highly prevailing diseases. The introduction of computer-aided technology has significantly enhanced the precision and accuracy of clinical trials results. This not only reduces the cost and turnaround time but also ensures a better quality and aesthetic outcome for patients, which is propelling the growth of Vietnam Clinical Trials market. For 20 years, researchers have used electronic tools to develop protocols, communicate with research staff, randomize participants, collect data, and analyze results, leading to the expansion of Clinical Trials market in Vietnam. Apple announced ResearchKit software designed for medical and health research. several iPhone apps are in development for large studies on asthma, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. Also, Google, Inc. has developed tools aimed at medical devices that may be used in clinical trials soon, which is expected to drive the Vietnam Clinical Trials Market in the forecast period. Several digital health applications, such as external, wearable, implantable, ingestible devices and sensors, and digital mobile health applications (apps) accessed via the user's personal electronic device (smartphone, tablet, etc.), are being tested in clinical development programs. Several of these technologies are being integrated into our ongoing clinical development programs in neurology and respiratory diseases, hence propelling the growth of Vietnam Clinical Trials Market.

Large Treatment-Naive Patient Population

The large treatment-naive patient population in Vietnam serves as a significant catalyst for the growth of the clinical trials market in the country. With a population of nearly 100 million people and a healthcare system undergoing rapid development, Vietnam presents a vast pool of patients who have not been previously treated for various medical conditions. This population provides pharmaceutical companies and research organizations with an invaluable opportunity to conduct clinical trials and evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs, therapies, and medical interventions. Moreover, the prevalence of diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions further enhances the attractiveness of Vietnam as a clinical trial destination.

Increasing Focus on Precision Medicine

The increasing focus on precision medicine is significantly influencing the growth of the clinical trials market in Vietnam. Precision medicine emphasizes the customization of medical treatment and interventions based on individual patient characteristics, such as genetic makeup, biomarkers, and lifestyle factors. In Vietnam, advancements in genomic research, molecular diagnostics, and personalized therapies are driving the demand for clinical trials tailored to specific patient populations. Pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are increasingly investing in precision medicine clinical trials to develop targeted therapies and diagnostics for prevalent diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and infectious diseases. By conducting precision medicine trials in Vietnam, researchers can leverage the country's diverse genetic pool and access to treatment-naive patient populations to identify biomarkers, validate therapeutic targets, and optimize patient stratification strategies. This alignment with precision medicine principles not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical research but also positions Vietnam as a key player in the global effort to deliver more personalized and impactful healthcare solutions.

Key Market Challenges

Shortage of Qualified Investigators

The shortage of qualified investigators in Vietnam poses a significant obstacle to the growth of the clinical trials market in the country. Clinical trials require skilled and experienced investigators who can effectively design, conduct, and oversee research studies while adhering to international standards and regulations. However, Vietnam faces challenges in recruiting and retaining enough qualified investigators due to factors such as limited training opportunities, insufficient expertise in specialized therapeutic areas, and competition from other sectors. This shortage not only prolongs the timeline for trial initiation and completion but also compromises the quality and reliability of trial data, leading to potential delays, increased costs, and decreased attractiveness of Vietnam as a clinical trial destination.

Intellectual Property Protection

Intellectual property protection issues in Vietnam present a significant impediment to the growth of the clinical trials market in the country. Pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials invest substantial resources in developing innovative drugs, therapies, and medical technologies, relying on robust intellectual property rights to safeguard their investments and incentivize continued innovation. However, concerns about inadequate enforcement of intellectual property laws, patent infringement, and data confidentiality breaches in Vietnam raise apprehensions among industry stakeholders regarding the protection of their proprietary information and research findings. This uncertainty surrounding intellectual property rights undermines investor confidence, deters pharmaceutical companies from conducting clinical trials in Vietnam, and hampers the country's ability to attract cutting-edge research and development initiatives.

Key Market Trends

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) presents a unique opportunity to enhance the growth of the clinical trials market in Vietnam. By aligning clinical trial activities with SDG targets related to health and well-being, such as reducing the burden of diseases, improving access to healthcare, and advancing medical research and innovation, Vietnam can leverage its clinical research capabilities to address pressing global health challenges. Clinical trials focused on diseases prevalent in Vietnam, such as infectious diseases, cancer, and chronic conditions, can contribute directly to achieving SDG targets by generating evidence-based interventions and therapies that improve health outcomes and quality of life for the population. Furthermore, by integrating SDG principles into clinical trial design, implementation, and outcomes assessment, Vietnam can attract greater investment from international donors, philanthropic organizations, and public-private partnerships interested in supporting initiatives that promote equitable access to healthcare, foster scientific collaboration, and drive sustainable development. This alignment with SDGs not only enhances the societal impact and relevance of clinical research in Vietnam but also positions the country as a responsible global partner committed to advancing health equity, innovation, and progress towards achieving the SDGs on a broader scale.

Integration of Real-World Evidence (RWE)

The integration of Real-World Evidence (RWE) presents a significant opportunity to enhance the growth of the clinical trials market in Vietnam. By incorporating real-world data from electronic health records, health insurance databases, and patient registries into clinical trial design and decision-making processes, researchers can supplement traditional clinical trial data with valuable insights into treatment effectiveness, safety, and patient outcomes in real-world settings. This approach not only enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clinical research but also enables more comprehensive evaluations of therapeutic interventions across diverse patient populations, including those underrepresented in traditional clinical trials. Moreover, leveraging RWE allows researchers in Vietnam to generate evidence that is more relevant, actionable, and applicable to local healthcare contexts, thereby facilitating the development and adoption of innovative therapies and interventions tailored to the needs of Vietnamese patients. By embracing the integration of RWE into clinical trial methodologies, Vietnam can enhance its attractiveness as a clinical trial destination, foster collaborations with global stakeholders, and contribute to advancements in healthcare research and patient care on both national and international scales.

Segmental Insights

Indication Insights

Oncology segments dominate the clinical trials market based on indication for several reasons. Firstly, cancer represents a significant and growing health burden globally, including in Vietnam, where cancer incidence rates are rising due to factors such as aging population, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative therapies and treatments to address various types of cancer. Additionally, advancements in oncology research have led to the discovery of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, driving increased investment and interest in clinical trials within the oncology field. Furthermore, the complexity and heterogeneity of cancer require extensive clinical research to develop personalized treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Regional Insights

Southern Vietnam dominates the clinical trials market based on region for several reasons. Firstly, southern Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure with leading medical institutions, research centers, and specialized hospitals. This concentration of healthcare facilities attracts pharmaceutical companies and research organizations seeking to conduct clinical trials due to the availability of experienced investigators, research staff, and advanced medical technology. Additionally, southern Vietnam serves as a commercial and economic hub, offering access to a large and diverse patient population that is essential for recruiting participants for clinical trials. Furthermore, the region benefits from favorable business environments, government support, and established networks of industry stakeholders, fostering a conducive ecosystem for clinical research and development activities.

Key Market Players

• IQVIA Vietnam
• PAREXEL International Corporation
• Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC
• ICON Plc Vietnam
• SGS SA Vietnam