Biosimilars to Ease Vietnam’s Cancer Treatment Cost Burden

At the scientific symposium “A Revolution with Biosimilars,” organized by the Vietnam Cancer Association and Pfizer Vietnam on March 6-7, 2026, in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, experts discussed biosimilars could represent one of several approaches to helping reduce treatment cost pressures and support the goal of health equity, grounded in scientific assessment, appropriate clinical practice, and compliance with current regulatory requirements.

       
Experts discuss at the scientific symposium “A Revolution with Biosimilars”

Rising cancer burden drives demand for biosimilars

According to 2022 GLOBOCAN statistics, Vietnam recorded 180,480 new cases and 120,184 cancer-related deaths, with liver, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers being the most prevalent. While the demand for advanced therapies continues to surge, the high cost of biologics remains a formidable challenge for both patients and the healthcare system. Notably, 39 high-revenue biologics are projected to lose patent protection between 2026 and 2032, paving the way for the development of more affordable biosimilars.  This is regarded as one of the approaches that can help diversify treatment options at more affordable costs, thereby supporting expanded access and enhancing the sustainability of healthcare budgets.

In modern clinical protocols, biologics have long demonstrated superior efficacy, enabling targeted and personalized therapies that significantly improve patient prognosis. However, high costs and limited supply remain major barriers, preventing many patients from accessing these treatments.

In this context, biosimilars are considered a scientific solution to expanding treatment opportunities.  Biosimilars are biological products developed based on an already approved reference biologic and are evaluated by regulatory authorities through rigorous processes and standards prior to market authorization, including assessments of efficacy and safety in accordance with established regulatory frameworks.  Globally, many regulatory agencies and health organizations have issued guidance related to this product class to support effective oversight and use in clinical practice such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). By offering more affordable costs, biosimilars may contribute to improving access to biologic therapies in certain appropriate settings.

In the field of oncology, several biosimilar therapies have been implemented for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies, providing healthcare facilities with additional treatment options. Diversifying therapeutic solutions not only improve patient access but also assists the healthcare system in optimizing resources, aiming for more efficient and sustainable budget utilization.

Providing a macro-perspective at the symposium, Associate Professor, PharmD, PhD Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Vice President, Hanoi Hospital Pharmacy Association; Former Head of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy emphasized: “Biosimilars represent a significant advancement in modern medicine, contributing to expanded access to high-quality biological therapies at more affordable costs. The gradual integration of these solutions into clinical practice not only eases the financial pressure on the healthcare system but also enables more efficient resource allocation, thereby advancing the goals of equity and sustainability in healthcare.”

 Associate Professor, PharmD, PhD Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Vice President, Hanoi Hospital Pharmacy Association; Former Head of Clinical Pharmacy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy

New biosimilar solutions for patients in Vietnam

At the symposium, experts focused on in-depth discussions regarding the implementation of biosimilar therapies in clinical practice. This included international experiences, professional requirements for adoption, and the necessary conditions to ensure appropriate deployment within healthcare facilities. The discussions covered both solid tumors such as colorectal, breast, and lung cancers, and hematological malignancies, with a primary focus on resource optimization and enhancing the sustainability of cancer care.

In Vietnam, the landscape of biosimilars is becoming increasingly diverse, with many products already approved by international drug regulatory authorities. Currently, there are 81 active ingredients licensed within the oncology and immunomodulatory categories Furthermore, biosimilars are included in the coverage and reimbursement list under Circular 20/2022/TT-BYT, subject to specific drugs, hospital levels, and the indications of the reference products, thereby helping to reduce treatment costs for patients.

However, experts noted a significant barrier: following the patent expiry of a reference biologic, biosimilars often face a certain time lag between the end of exclusivity and widespread access in certain markets. This delay can hinder the pace of expanding access to more affordable treatment options. Consequently, many suggest strengthening coordination between regulatory authorities, healthcare facilities, and relevant stakeholders to shorten implementation timelines while ensuring compliance with professional and regulatory requirements.

Drawing from clinical practice at tertiary referral hospitals, Dang Huy Quoc Thinh, MD, PhD, Former Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital stated: “The major challenge today lies not only in treatment techniques but also in accessibility and the sustainability of the healthcare system. Enhancing the effectiveness of cancer care goes beyond adopting medical advancements; it must also prioritize patients' access to treatment. Solutions that alleviate cost pressures and support more efficient healthcare operations will contribute to improving the quality of care and the overall treatment experience for cancer patients.”

 Dang Huy Quoc Thinh, MD, PhD, Former Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital

Experts at the symposium also agreed that to maximize the benefits of biosimilars, it is time for Vietnam to consider solutions that reduce co-payment costs and develop policies to expedite drug approval timelines. Such efforts would expand treatment opportunities for patients and enhance the sustainability of the healthcare system. Breaking down barriers in cancer treatment requires a collective effort from society, including regulatory authorities, the healthcare system, businesses, and the professional community.

Representing the symposium organizers, Mr. Mark Kuo, Cluster Lead of Pfizer Vietnam and Thailand, affirmed: “At Pfizer, we always put patients at the heart of everything we do. Given the remarkable advancements in modern medicine, we believe that advanced treatments will open up many more opportunities for cancer patients in Vietnam. We hope that, with the support of future policies and initiatives, access to biosimilar therapies can be further expanded, creating a foundation for landmark improvements in healthcare for patients in need of treatment across Vietnam.”

Source: Vietnam Business Forum