Vietnam Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis

Vietnam Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis: Executive Summary

The Vietnam Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market is at around US $167 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach $255 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.43% during the forecast period.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are persistent respiratory disorders that impact the airways, leading to challenges in breathing. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the air passages, triggered by irritants, allergens, or physical activity. Manifestations comprise wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, with factors such as respiratory infections and a familial asthma history posing increased risks. Similarly, COPD encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both causing airway obstruction. Smoking stands out as the primary risk factor for COPD, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, heightened mucus production, and an enduring cough. Standard treatments for both conditions typically involve bronchodilators to alleviate congested airways and anti-inflammatory medications to diminish inflammation. Notably, pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim consistently offer treatments for both COPD and asthma.

Chronic respiratory conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent in Vietnam, with asthma estimated to affect a range of 26-44% of the population and the prevalence of COPD standing at approximately 7%. The market is being propelled by factors such as the rising aging population and the subsequent increase in COPD and asthma, supportive government initiatives, improved healthcare infrastructure, and others. However, affordability and accessibility challenges, along with a lack of human resources, are a few factors that limit the market's potential.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising prevalence of COPD and Asthma: Vietnam is experiencing an increasing prevalence of COPD, estimated at around 7.1% among males aged 40 and above. This rise is linked to factors such as smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposure. Additionally, estimates indicate that asthma affects a substantial portion of the Vietnamese population, ranging from 26% to 44%. Vietnam is undergoing a rapid aging of its population, and it is projected that the percentage of individuals aged 65 and older will reach 15% by 2030. This demographic, being more prone to COPD and asthma, is contributing to an increased demand in the market.

Expanding healthcare infrastructure: Vietnam's healthcare infrastructure is making steady progress, providing enhanced access to medical facilities and specialists. The broader availability of treatment choices presents prospects for market expansion. Additionally, the expansion of health insurance coverage in Vietnam is making COPD and asthma medications more economical for a larger segment of the population, driving increased demand in the market.

Supportive government initiatives: The Vietnamese government acknowledges the increasing impact of COPD and asthma and has instituted diverse programs such as the National Project for the Prevention and Control of COPD and Asthma, Healthy Lung Programme to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. These efforts encompass initiatives such as heightening awareness, offering training for healthcare professionals, and broadening access to medications.

Market Restraints

Low affordability and access: Vietnam faces affordability challenges for patients and a constrained market saturation due to significantly lower per capita healthcare spending compared to developed countries. Although there is an increase in health insurance coverage, access to long-term respiratory medications, such as inhalers, might still be limited, affecting patient accessibility. Furthermore, the lack of efficient distribution channels in rural areas can restrict patients living outside major cities from accessing essential medications, therefore limiting market growth.

Lack of human resources: A shortage of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, particularly in rural regions, may impede the accurate diagnosis and effective management of COPD and asthma.

Competition from generic drugs: Generic versions of older medications dominate the market, providing pharmaceutical companies with narrow profit margins and deterring investment in more recent, advanced therapies.

Notable Updates

October 2025, the Society of Asthma, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology of Ho Chi Minh City (HSAACI) and AstraZeneca Vietnam entered into a strategic cooperation memorandum. The objective is to strengthen the skills of medical and community healthcare professionals in the management and treatment of respiratory diseases, with a specific emphasis on bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

Vietnam's healthcare policy and regulatory framework involve several essential authorities and agencies. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is the primary entity overseeing healthcare regulations and licensing in Vietnam. The MOH is tasked with formulating national health policies, coordinating reforms in the medical and healthcare sectors, and supervising healthcare services.

To secure a license for healthcare products in Vietnam, companies must comply with the regulations established by the MOH. Specifically, for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, obtaining registration and marketing authorization from the MOH is imperative. This process entails submitting technical and scientific data to validate the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the product.

Vietnam's healthcare policy and regulatory structure encompass a range of authorities and agencies, with the MOH playing a central role in the regulation of healthcare products. Both the public and private healthcare sectors in the country offer diverse opportunities for companies operating within the healthcare industry.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Novartis
• AstraZeneca
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
• Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
• Mekophar
• Traphaco
• Stada Pharmaceutical
• Pharimexco
• Abbott Laboratories