Sanofi, VNVC sign joint declaration on next-generation vaccine manufacturing in Vietnam

Sanofi and Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company (VNVC) have signed a joint declaration on next-generation vaccine manufacturing in Vietnam, with three vaccines initially selected for assessment as potential candidates for local production.

Sanofi Vietnam and VNVC signed a joint declaration on strategic cooperation in next-generation vaccine manufacturing in Vietnam at the Vietnam-France Business Forum in Paris on Sept. 10.

The forum brought together businesses from the two countries, with the participation of Vietnam's Party General Secretary and President To Lam, French President Emmanuel Macron, and senior officials from both countries.

Under the declaration, Sanofi and VNVC will work to strengthen Vietnam's domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity, increase supply autonomy, and address disease prevention needs. The cooperation also covers healthcare access, workforce development, and building a sustainable vaccine ecosystem.

The companies are identifying vaccines for potential future production by VNVC, with three initially selected for further assessment.

Representatives of Sanofi and VNVC sign a joint declaration on strategic cooperation in vaccine manufacturing at the Vietnam-France Business Forum in Paris. Photo courtesy of VNVC

Following the signing, representatives of Vietnam's Ministry of Health, VNVC, and Sanofi visited Sanofi's manufacturing facility in Neuville-sur-Saône, France, to learn about its manufacturing technologies, expertise and quality systems and discuss the cooperation roadmap.

Representatives of Vietnam's Ministry of Health, VNVC, and Sanofi visit Sanofi's manufacturing facility in Neuville-sur-Saône, France. Photo courtesy of VNVC

The three vaccines identified as priorities are intended to address areas of high unmet demand and support disease prevention across different age groups, from infants and adolescents to adults and the elderly.

VNVC plans to complete and put its Vaccine and Biologics Manufacturing Facility into operation by the end of 2027. The first vaccine batches are targeted for production in 2028, with vaccines manufactured in Vietnam expected to be commercialized from 2029.

The partnership has developed through several stages, including a milestone during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Vietnam in 2025. The September 2026 declaration marks a further step, with the companies identifying specific product priorities and milestones for potential local vaccine manufacturing.

Stephen Alix, Head of Vaccines, International at Sanofi, said the company supports Vietnam's efforts to advance science and technology, innovation and high-tech industries while strengthening its healthcare system.

"With more than 70 years of presence in Vietnam, Sanofi deeply values the direction set by the Communist Party and Government of Vietnam in advancing science and technology, fostering innovation, developing high-tech industries, and strengthening the resilience of the national healthcare system," Alix said.

"Through this initiative, Sanofi seeks to make a meaningful contribution to the country's goals and to the development of an increasingly advanced biotechnology ecosystem in Vietnam."

Ngo Chi Dung, Chairman and General Director of VNVC, said the declaration marked a shift from outlining areas of cooperation toward implementing plans to localize next-generation vaccine manufacturing in Vietnam.

Sanofi and VNVC provided the MOH Vice Minister with a progress update on the project. Photo courtesy of VNVC

VNVC's Vaccine and Biologics Manufacturing Facility in Tay Ninh has an initial investment of more than VND2.5 trillion (US$96.18 million) and covers over 26,000 square meters.

The facility is designed to produce about 120 million vaccine doses a year and aims to meet international standards, including WHO-GMP, EU-GMP, and FDA-cGMP.

VNVC said the project is intended to strengthen domestic capabilities in vaccine and biologics research, manufacturing and testing.