Vietnam speeds, eases approval process for innovative drugs

Moving to speed the introduction of new pharmaceuticals to consumers, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health will exempt certain innovative drugs already tested abroad from the requirement they undergo domestic clinical trials.

According to the March announcement—long hoped for by pharmaceutical firms—the ministry will also shorten the time required for submitting and appraising applications of new drugs. As part of the revamp in drug registration procedures, requirements for drug approvals will be rewritten to align with both the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and with ASEAN bloc mandates.