HSC Stem Cell Technology Platform breaks ground at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park

HSC Stem Cell Technology Platform broke ground at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. Photo: HSC

The event marked a significant milestone for HSC in its mission to promote the production and application of advanced stem cell technology to support research and treatment in Vietnam.

Located across around 10,000 square metres, HOSTEP is a research and development (R&D) platform aimed at advancing stem cell technology for research and treatment in Vietnam, adhering to cGMP standards (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) administered by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also aims to meet the current demand for safe and effective stem cell applications in Vietnam, while also facilitating the transfer and adoption of new technologies in the future.

HOSTEP will be constructed, completed, and put into operation in two phases. Phase 1 will run from mid-2024 to the end of 2025 with a primary focus on the development of the state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technological infrastructure, and Phase 2 will take place from 2026 to mid-2027. Once completed, HOSTEP is set to become a leading R&D centre in Vietnam and the region, with the following key functions.

A cryobank system for the storage and preservation of tissues and stem cells that adheres to GMP/cGMP standards. A research and technology transfer system focused on updating and developing cutting-edge technologies in stem cell differentiation and personalising stem cell therapy. A system for stem cell quality control and standardisation that adheres to GMP/cGMP standards, supporting the development of safe cell therapies for clinical applications and public health. A consulting and training system to disseminate knowledge and develop human resources in the field of stem cells in Vietnam.

HOSTEP brings together a team of leading experts in biomedicine and stem cell technology. The HSC expert team boasts extensive experience and has established collaborative relationships with various research institutes, universities, and medical centres worldwide.

Equipped with modern facilities, advanced technological infrastructure, and a team of respected Vietnamese and international scientists specialising in regenerative medicine, HOSTEP aims to become a leading R&D centre in Vietnam and the region.

According to Bui Xuan Nguyen, chairman of HSC, HOSTEP represents not only the passion and dedication of the research team but also the fruitful collaboration with local and foreign partners who share the vision of making stem cell technology a vital foundation for a modern medical system in Vietnam. This endeavour will contribute to realising a scientific, inclusive, and nationally relevant medical system.

At the ceremony, Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health cum chairman of the National Medical Council, emphasised, "This is a significant milestone in the strategy to develop stem cell technology in Vietnam, contributing to the establishment of a modern medical foundation based on advanced technology and dedicated to improving public health. Given clear directions and great support from the government, business sector, and researchers, stem cell science will soon become a key focus in Vietnam's healthcare system. We firmly believe that, with effective investment, HSC will achieve significant growth and become a flagship in stem cell technology. The Ministry of Health commits to support these aspirations."

As a cGMP consultant for the project, Dao Xuan Huong, chairman and CEO of GMPc Vietnam JSC, a leading consulting firm in GMP solutions, remarked, "In this era of rapid scientific advancement, stem cell technology promises significant breakthroughs in medicine. HOSTEP is a pending project providing the first stem cell storage bank in Vietnam, which adheres to the cGMP standards."

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