Vietnam seeks Russia's cancer vaccine technology

Vietnam hopes Russia will transfer technology and collaborate on producing cancer vaccines and treatments for rare diseases, as domestic laws become more open to pharmaceuticals from the Eurasian Economic Union.

Health Minister Dao Hong Lan made the request during a meeting with her Russian counterpart, Mikhail Murashko, in Hanoi on 12/9. Lan praised Russian scientists' achievements in announcing a new cancer vaccine earlier that month, calling it a milestone that offers hope to humanity.

"Vietnam wishes to expand cooperation in the production and transfer of new drug technologies, especially for cancer vaccines and treatments," Lan said. She also proposed joint research and development of herbal medicines, biopharmaceuticals, and local production of Russian pharmaceuticals in Vietnam.

To facilitate this cooperation, Lan explained that the 2024 amended Law on Pharmacy now recognizes the Eurasian Economic Union's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, making it easier for Russian pharmaceuticals to enter the Vietnamese market. A new circular on drug registration has also been issued, resolving previous obstacles to importing vaccines and biological products from Russia.

Earlier in September, the head of Russia's Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA), former Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova, announced that Russia's cancer vaccine had passed preclinical trials and was "ready for clinical use". The FMBA said the vaccine had proven safe and highly effective in shrinking tumors and slowing their growth. Notably, the vaccine will be personalized, tailored to each patient's RNA. Initially, it will be used to treat colorectal cancer. Versions for brain and skin cancer are also in development.

Health Minister Dao Hong Lan at a meeting with the Russian medical delegation. Photo: Tran Minh

Health Minister Dao Hong Lan at a meeting with the Russian medical delegation. Photo: Tran Minh

In response, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko commended Vietnam's healthcare achievements and expressed willingness to provide a list of leading hospitals, research centers, and pharmaceutical companies to promote bilateral cooperation. He highlighted the Dmitry Rogachyov Center, a leading pediatric cancer treatment facility with a 92% success rate, and the Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, which is advancing research on next-generation vaccines. "With the available foundations, we are fully prepared to consider and promote cooperation," Murashko affirmed.

Beyond pharmaceuticals, Lan requested Russia to increase scholarships for Vietnamese medical students, currently at 30 out of 1,000 offered annually. Vietnam also expressed interest in learning from Russia's model of medical tourism combined with convalescence. Murashko stated that Russia also wants to expand this model, enabling Russian citizens to seek treatment in Vietnam.

The same day, the Russian Health Ministry delegation visited the Viet - Nga Eye Hospital. Murashko expressed his "impression with the hospital's application of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and treating macular diseases". Duong Chi Kien, Chairman of the hospital system's Board of Directors, said thanks to ophthalmological cooperation between the two countries, the hospital has successfully performed nearly 300,000 surgeries, restoring sight to many patients.