Takeda has been a dedicated partner in Vietnam’s healthcare sector, delivering transformative treatments and contributing significantly to public health. As the only manufacturer and importer of dengue vaccine in Vietnam, the approval of Takeda’s dengue vaccine further solidifies its role in addressing the country’s pressing health challenges.
During his recent business visit to Vietnam in September, Dion Warren, Area Head of India & Southeast Asia (I-SEA), shares insights into Takeda’s journey in Vietnam, the impact of its efforts on public health, and what lies ahead.
Dion Warren, Takeda’s Area Head of India and Southeast Asia (I-SEA). Photo courtesy of Takeda |
Given the dynamic nature of the pharmaceutical landscape in the I-SEA region, how does Takeda view Vietnam compared to other countries?
Vietnam is a fast-growing country with tremendous potential. With its increasing population and industrialization, the country faces rising healthcare demands, especially as climate change and the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases place strain on the healthcare system.
While Vietnam’s healthcare system has made great strides, there’s still considerable room for growth. Addressing these needs requires strategic partnerships across stakeholders to enhance disease education, diagnosis capabilities, and access to innovative medicines and vaccines.
With our heritage of global innovation, Takeda is committed to working with Vietnam’s healthcare sector to meet these challenges and improve quality of life through sustainable solutions.
What differentiates Takeda from other pharmaceutical companies in Vietnam?
Takeda is guided by Takeda-ism, which includes our core values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance. These values come to life through our “Patient-Trust-Reputation-Business” decision-making framework, where we prioritize doing the right thing for patients, building trust, enhancing our reputation, and developing our business sustainably—in that order.
Our approach combines global insights with local expertise, ensuring that high-quality medicines and vaccines reach the people who need them. Through this, we aim to become a trusted biopharmaceutical partner in Vietnam, making a lasting impact on the country’s health and well-being.
After a decade in Vietnam, what would you highlight as Takeda’s greatest achievements?
We’re proud of our commitment to delivering innovative treatments in Vietnam. Access to medicines is at the core of our strategy, embedded in our values and guiding our operations. We’ve forged public and private partnerships that improve patient access to advancedtreatments for rare diseases like hereditary angioedema (HAE) and hemophilia.
As an active member of Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and Pharma Group under EuroCham Vietnam, Takeda helps to bring innovative therapies and vaccines to Vietnam and also facilitates cross-border exchanges and collaborations between medical communities in Vietnam, Japan, and other countries in the region.
A significant milestone for us was the approval of our dengue vaccine by the Ministry of Health in May 2024. This marked a major step in combating the rising public health threat posed by dengue in Vietnam.
Why did Takeda, known for its focus on rare diseases, oncology, and plasma-derived therapies, venture into vaccine development for the mass population?
For 70 years, Takeda has been supplying high-quality vaccines in Japan. Recently, we’ve expanded globally to address some of the world’s most challenging infectious diseases, including dengue, influenza, and Covid-19.
Dengue is a particularly complex disease, affecting nearly half of the global population, with Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, experiencing severe outbreaks. The recent approval of the Takeda’s dengue vaccine in Vietnam is a critical part of an integrated strategy to manage and reduce the burden of this disease.
How does Takeda plan to make the dengue vaccine accessible across Vietnam?
Our ultimate goal is to improve public health by making our dengue vaccine accessible to those who need it most, particularly in remote areas and among high-risk groups. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with local authorities, academic institutions, and healthcare professionals and committed to making the vaccine accessible.
Our goals include raising awareness about dengue, advocating for sustainable and integrated management strategies, and providing comprehensive training for healthcare professionals in vaccination practices.
At the end of this September, Dion Warren and Dr. Derek Wallace, President of the Global Vaccine Business Unit (VBU), will be in Vietnam. This marks the first visit by high-level global Takeda leaders to Vietnam, continuing Takeda’s series of activities and efforts in supporting the country in its dengue prevention journey.
During their visit, they will spend time with Takeda’s local team initiating the official launch of its dengue vaccine in Vietnam, following its approval by the Ministry of Health in May.
Takeda is currently the only manufacturer and importer of dengue vaccine to Vietnam.
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