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 was valued at USD 105.25 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to project steady growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.18% through 2029 and 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 the results will be submitted to the participants, the 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, which brings a high prevalence of infectious diseases 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. 

Clinical Trials usually take place in four phases. A Phase 1 trial judges the safety of the experimental drug on a small group of people (20-80). A phase 2 trial is carried out on around 100-300 people, to judge the safety and short-term risks of the experimental drug. A phase 3 drug trial is conducted on thousands of people to study the effectiveness of the drug under examination. A phase 4 trial is conducted after the drug gets approval from the FDA to further study the risks associated with the medication.

Globally, community involvement in clinical research planning leads to improved research registration and increased acceptance of research results, which is expected to drive the Vietnam Clinical Trials Market. There is a rising prevalence of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, which needs an increased scientific approach for the development of effective medications, leading to the growth of the Vietnam Clinical Trials Market.

Appropriate rules and regulations for conducting clinical trials make the whole process more trustworthy, leading to greater participation of people in clinical trials. For example, In Vietnam, the Agency for Science and Technology Training (ASTT), which is directly under the Ministry of Health. (MOH) administers clinical trials of pharmaceuticals. As per U.S National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov, 772 clinical trials have already been conducted in Vietnam. 

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, increasing from 25 trials in 2010 to 72 active trials by 2015. This growth is driven by the need for solutions for rare human diseases and the high prevalence of chronic conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disorders, as well as infectious diseases such as HIV, which affects an estimated 250,000 people in the country. The increasing demand can be attributed to rising awareness and rapid advancements in clinical trials technology. These advancements have not only improved success rates but have also made procedures more accessible for a wider range of diseases within Vietnam's population of over 100 million people.

The introduction of computer-aided technology, such as the adoption of information systems like HIS, LIS, and RIS-PACS in major hospitals, has significantly enhanced the precision of clinical trial results. This not only reduces costs and turnaround times but also ensures better quality outcomes. For 20 years, researchers have used electronic tools to develop protocols and analyze results, leading to market expansion.

The development of software like Apple's ResearchKit for large studies on conditions including asthma and breast cancer, along with Google's tools for medical devices, is expected to further drive the market. For example, in December 2024, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health approved the phase 2A trial of a US-made cancer drug, and Tam Anh General Hospital joined the VISTA-1 trial for colorectal cancer, demonstrating the country's growing role in global oncology research.

Several digital health applications, including wearable, implantable, and ingestible devices and sensors, are being tested in clinical development programs at some of the country's 40 GCP-certified research sites. Several of these technologies are being integrated into ongoing clinical development programs for neurology and respiratory diseases, further propelling the growth of the 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 based on individual patient characteristics, such as genetic makeup and lifestyle factors.

In Vietnam, advancements in genomic research, such as the 1000 Vietnamese Genome Project, and personalized therapies are driving the demand for clinical trials tailored to specific patient populations. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in precision medicine clinical trials to develop targeted therapies for prevalent diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disorders, which have become a primary focus of research, shifting from a prior emphasis on 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 and optimize patient stratification strategies. This is supported by an expanding infrastructure, which by October 2022 included 66 gene sequencers in healthcare facilities and 50 hospitals trialing non-invasive genomic methods for early cancer detection. This alignment with precision medicine principles enhances the efficiency of clinical research and positions Vietnam as a key player in the global effort to deliver more personalized healthcare solutions. 

For instance, Tam Anh General Hospital is participating in the VISTA-1 clinical trial, the country's first Phase 2A trial for colorectal cancer, which introduces a new biomarker assay technique. This growing focus is also attracting international collaborations, such as with American and Canadian geneticists, to build expertise despite a limited number of trained medical geneticists, with only about 13 in the country as of 2018.

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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, such as SDG 3.4 which aims to reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030, Vietnam can leverage its clinical research capabilities to address pressing 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, especially as projections indicate that Vietnam is not on track to meet its 2030 targets for infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases.

Furthermore, by integrating SDG principles into clinical trial design and implementation, Vietnam can attract greater investment from international donors and public-private partnerships, such as those with UK institutions like the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU). These partnerships are interested in supporting initiatives that promote equitable access to healthcare and foster scientific collaboration. This alignment with SDGs not only enhances the societal impact 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.

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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.

Recent Developments

• On September 26, 2025, a workshop on "Clinical Trial Opportunities in Viet Nam" was co-organized in Hanoi by the World Health Organization (WHO), Hanoi Medical University, and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU). 
• In July 2025, the amended Law on Pharmacy became effective on July 1, introducing key changes such as simplifying the import process for drugs intended for clinical trials by removing the need for an import license for most non-marketed drugs. Additionally, new circulars updated drug quality assurance and recall protocols.
• In May 2025, the "Roadmap to the Future of Clinical Trials in Vietnam" report was launched by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Pharma Group, and KPMG. This report offered a comprehensive analysis of the clinical research landscape and outlined actionable strategies to position Vietnam among the top three ASEAN destinations for clinical trials and R&D by 2030. Medical experts also publicly called for the acceleration of clinical trial reforms to simplify processes and improve patient access to innovative treatments.
• In December 2024, The Politburo issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on December 22, which emphasized a commitment to developing domestic innovation capabilities and allocating a larger portion of the GDP to research and development, providing a strong policy basis for boosting clinical trials.
• In November 2024, the National Assembly passed the amended Law on Pharmacy on November 21. This legislation was a key step toward modernizing Vietnam's pharmaceutical regulations to better align with global standards, with the changes set to take effect in 2025.

Key Market Players

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

Report Scope:

In this report, the Vietnam Aquaculture Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Vietnam Clinical Trials Market, By Phase:
• Phase I
• Phase II
• Phase III
• Phase IV
• Vietnam Clinical Trials Market, By Study Design:
• Interventional
• Observational
• Expanded Access
• Vietnam Clinical Trials Market, By Indication:
• Pain Management
• Oncology
• CNS Condition
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Others
• Vietnam Clinical Trials Market, By Region:
• Northern
• Central
• Southern

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Vietnam Aquaculture Market.

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Company Information

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