Rapid advancements in global science and technology are driving changes across industries, notably in healthcare and biotechnology. In response, Vietnam’s medical and biotech sectors are prioritising open innovation and intellectual property (IP) rights to fuel sustainable growth.

Rapid advancements in global science and technology are driving changes across industries, notably in healthcare and biotechnology. In response, Vietnam’s medical and biotech sectors are prioritising open innovation and intellectual property (IP) rights to fuel sustainable growth.

According to Le Huy Anh, Deputy Director of the Intellectual Property Office under the Ministry of Science and Technology, open innovation and patent protection are essential to make progress in medical and biotech fields. He encouraged Vietnam to enhance its policy framework, aiming for a robust legal environment that supports innovation and development of the healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotech industry.

The Intellectual Property Office recognises IP not just as a protective tool but as a catalyst for the development of industries, including healthcare and biotechnology. Innovations in these fields have the power to transform lives, improve healthcare quality, and create environmental benefits, driving the knowledge economy forward.

Vietnam’s current policies, including streamlined patent regulations, are designed to support open innovation by connecting novel solutions to practical applications within the country’s medical and biotech sector.

At the recent “Open innovation and patents for Vietnam’s medical and biotech development” forum, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Vice President of the Vietnam Inventions Association, discussed strategies to align open innovation with healthcare. He emphasised the need for adaptable regulations and efficient IP management to unlock the potential of these sectors, ensuring innovations contribute meaningfully to the public's health.

Nguyen Hoang Dinh, Deputy Director of the University Medical Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, added that innovation in healthcare focus on developing and implementing new technologies and processes. From primary healthcare and disease prevention to pharmaceutical production, these innovations aim to address growing health challenges.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly prominent in health care, streamlining workflows, improving clinical precision, and expanding access in rural and remote areas. AI applications help ease medical workers' burdens and elevate clinical standards, particularly in underserved regions, aiding Vietnam’s medical and biotech innovation efforts.

Le Huy Anh noted that the Intellectual Property Office has worked with relevant entities to offer guidance on registering biotech and medical patents, especially in traditional medicine. This focus on "problem and solution" patents ensures innovations arise from genuine societal needs and prioritise practical and commercial applications.

Vietnam’s IP regulations enable the healthcare sector to leverage expired patents or non-patented technologies for community health benefits, including more affordable medicines. This approach positions Vietnam to “leapfrog” in technology adoption, leveraging innovations to rapidly advance healthcare.

New provisions in Vietnam’s IP Law, effective from 2024, expand the scope of patent rights while addressing potential limitations, including compulsory licensing in cases of public health needs. Enhanced security for IP and streamlined patent approval processes are expected to incentivize more breakthroughs in the fields of healthcare and biotechnology.

Patent development in healthcare is complicated, demanding a thorough understanding of IP laws to ensure robust protection. Success hinges on preparing clear, detailed patent descriptions, especially for innovations in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment that may face restrictive IP criteria under Vietnamese law. Careful patent preparation increases the likelihood of securing IP rights, supporting Vietnam’s goal of fostering a vibrant and resilient medical and biotechnology industry./.