Vietnam to join clinical trials of mRNA cancer vaccines

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 treatment, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said.

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, 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, an influenza vaccine and a meningococcal vaccine, all based on modern French manufacturing technologies.

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, stem cell therapy, being implemented through cooperation with Japan, as well as the use of 3D technology and personalized approaches in orthopaedic trauma treatment.

Artificial intelligence is also being increasingly integrated into medical practice, particularly in next-generation gene sequencing for cancer treatment and prenatal screening.

To support these ambitions, 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, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 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.