French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi and Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company (VNVC) have announced plans to manufacture three next-generation vaccines in Vietnam, presenting the project to Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The announcement was made on September 10 in Paris during the Vietnam-France Business Forum, where the two leaders met representatives of major companies from both countries to discuss strategic areas of cooperation, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Representatives of Sanofi and VNVC exchange a joint declaration on cooperation to produce three important next-generation vaccines for children and adults in Vietnam (Photo: Organising committee).
At the forum, and in the presence of senior leaders from Vietnam and France, Sanofi and VNVC exchanged a joint declaration confirming plans to prioritise the production of three key next-generation vaccines at VNVC's Vaccine and Biologics Manufacturing Plant.
The vaccines selected for initial production include a six-in-one vaccine containing the acellular pertussis component, a seasonal influenza vaccine and a meningococcal vaccine.
These vaccines are considered essential public health products in Vietnam, where demand remains high due to their role in preventing potentially serious and life-threatening infectious diseases across multiple age groups.
Ngo Chi Dung, chairman and chief executive of VNVC, said the agreement would make Vietnam the first country in Southeast Asia capable of independently producing these next-generation vaccines.
Under current plans, production is expected to begin in 2028, with commercial distribution scheduled for 2029.
The facility aims to supply tens of millions of vaccine doses annually to the domestic market before expanding to regional markets and participating in global supply chains.
Dung said he hoped the project would continue to receive support from both governments to ensure timely implementation and enable high-quality vaccines to reach the public at more affordable prices.
General Secretary and President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron listen as VNVC presents the roadmap for producing three next-generation vaccines in Vietnam at the Vietnam-France Business Forum (Photo: Hoang Thong Nhat).
VNVC's Vaccine and Biologics Manufacturing Plant in Tay Ninh Province represents a first-phase investment of more than VND 2.5 trillion (USD 96 million). The facility covers more than 26,000 square metres and has a planned production capacity of around 120 million vaccine doses per year.
Stephen Alix, head of international markets for Sanofi's vaccine division, said the company highly valued Vietnam's policies promoting science and technology, innovation, high-tech industries and greater resilience within the healthcare system.
"Through this project, Sanofi hopes to make a meaningful contribution to Vietnam's national development goals and help build an increasingly modern biotechnology ecosystem in the country," Alix said.
The partnership reflects Vietnam's broader ambition to strengthen vaccine self-sufficiency, reduce reliance on imports and establish itself as a regional centre for advanced biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
