Nanocovax, developed by Nanogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, has begun phase 3 clinical trials involving 13,000 people. More than 1,000 people have received two shots in this final trial. Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan said Vietnamese authorities fully support and will continue to create the best conditions for domestic producers like Nanogen so that “Made in Vietnam” COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available. NanoCovax is the most promising candidate among 4 domestic vaccines being developed. If approved, commercial production could begin soon.

The price per dose is estimated to be approximately 5.2 USD. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly and requires two shots about a month apart, according to Nanogen.

Three other homegrown vaccines are being developed by the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals, the Vaccine and Biological Production Company No. 1, and the Center for Research and Production of Vaccines and Biologicals.

Vietnam has so far approved six vaccines for emergency use: Janssen, Moderna, Sputnik V, Pfizer, Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca.

The Government aims to secure at least 150 million vaccine doses this year, enough to cover 70% of the population.