Novartis and UMC HCMC renew partnership to boost medical innovation in Vietnam

The agreement aims to strengthen medical innovation, expand clinical research capacity, and enhance training for Vietnam’s healthcare workforce.

Under the MOU, the two organizations will collaborate in four key areas.

Developing Centers of Excellence and Expanding Clinical Capabilities: The partnership will continue to scale the Center of Excellence (CoE) model, with a focus on the Lipid Control Center (LCC), which standardizes screening and treatment for lipid disorders based on international guidelines. The two sides will also work on capability-building programs for clinical pharmacists and introduce new treatment approaches across cardiology, lipid management, oncology, hematology, and nephrology.

Strengthening Professional Training: The collaboration includes organizing Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs, scientific conferences, workshops, and specialized training sessions for healthcare staff. These initiatives aim to keep medical professionals updated with the latest knowledge and to support improvements in clinical diagnosis and treatment quality.

Expanding Clinical Research Cooperation:  UMC will continue participating in Novartis’ global research programs to assess the safety and efficacy of potential therapies. Ongoing research covers lupus nephritis, diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, IgA nephropathy, cardiovascular metabolic diseases, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Strengthening clinical research capacity is expected to help Vietnamese patients access advanced therapies earlier.

Enhancing Patient-Centered Programs: Both sides will expand digital consultations, patient education activities, and support programs that help patients manage treatment, improve adherence, and address adverse drug reactions.

Since 2021, Novartis and UMC have built a strong partnership across multiple initiatives in clinical capacity building, medical research, and professional training. 

Moving forward from 2025, Novartis and UMC will continue expanding their partnership across core areas, including treatment enhancement, professional education, and clinical research. Ongoing initiatives include the UMC Health Project for transplant patients, the Lipid Control Center Project for LDL-C management, and the SpA Optimal Management Program for patients with axial spondylarthritis.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Dinh, Vice Director of UMC, said the partnership supports the hospital’s goal of meeting international standards in treatment, research, and training. Strengthening collaboration with Novartis, he noted, will create new opportunities for improving medical capacity and innovation.

Novartis Vietnam Country President Jondy Syjuco emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s innovation-driven healthcare development. He said the partnership reflects Novartis’ long-term goal of helping patients access high-quality therapies and strengthening the country’s medical research ecosystem.