Strengthening partnership to unlock genomic potential in Vietnam

The Vietnamese genomics market is expanding rapidly, with a projected compound annual growth rate of over 16.5 per cent from 2023 to 2030, increasing from $163 million in 2023 to $482 million by 2030. To echo the growth of this sector, DKSH Business Unit Technology collaborated with PacBio and KTest, a provider of high-quality, highly accurate sequencing solutions, to hold an event in late February in Ho Chi Minh City where industry leaders and leading experts discussed the importance of gene sequencing in Vietnam and how to unlock the industry potential.

Prof. Raquel Magalhaes, senior manager for regional business development at DKSH Group, emphasised that Vietnam's genomics sector is at a critical juncture where advanced technology meets the need for scientific progress in Vietnam and across the region.

"DKSH is not just a distributor; we are enablers of scientific advancement. Our role is to connect global innovation with local expertise, ensuring that researchers and organisations in Vietnam have the necessary tools to drive groundbreaking discoveries," said Magalhaes.

With in-depth expertise in regulatory processes and an extensive distribution network, DKSH is committed to supporting Vietnam's scientific community and positioning the country as a genomics hub in Asia.

Prof. Raquel Magalhaes (centre), senior manager of regional business development at DKSH Group. Photo: DKSH

Since 2023, DKSH has collaborated closely with PacBio, a global provider of genomic sequencing technology, to introduce cutting-edge sequencing solutions that meet the growing demand for precision genomics in Vietnam. PacBio's platforms, which were awarded 'Method of the Year' by Nature Methods in 2023, are redefining the genomics landscape with their unparalleled accuracy and flexibility.

The collaboration between PacBio and DKSH represents a significant step forward in advancing gene sequencing across industries in Vietnam. This synergy not only strengthens gene sequencing capabilities but also improves accessibility for academia and researchers in Vietnam.

Jennifer Hsu, associate Sales director for North, South and Southeast Asia, PacBio, underscored the significance of this collaboration in delivering transformative solutions to the Vietnamese market in the event.

"PacBio's HiFi long-read sequencing technology is revolutionising precision medicine by enabling the detection of disease-causing variants linked to genetic disorders, while our short-read Sequencing by Binding (SBB) technology offers unprecedented accuracy for early cancer detection. Through our partnership with DKSH, we are bringing these innovations to researchers and clinicians in Vietnam, supporting advances in cancer research, rare diseases, and beyond," said Hsu.

A compelling example of the impact of this collaboration is KTest, a Vietnamese genetic testing company that has adopted PacBio's short-read SBB technology with Onsos system. By leveraging this advanced platform, KTest is enhancing their research capabilities to deliver precise genetic insights with practical applications across fields such as agriculture, industry, and environmental studies.

According to industry insiders, human genome projects are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of precision medicine in Vietnam. "By building comprehensive genomic databases and mapping genetic diversity, we can improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases and cancers while identifying population-specific genetic markers," said Hsu.

These insights are key to developing personalised healthcare solutions tailored to the unique genetic profiles of diverse communities.

Jennifer Hsu, associate sales director at PacBio. Photo: DKSH

According to Hsu, the increasing demand for accurate and high-throughput genomic analysis in clinical practice is driving the development of targeted therapies, "This level of precision enables earlier, more accurate diagnoses, facilitating the development of targeted treatments, improving patient outcomes, and advancing personalised medicine," she said.

Beyond healthcare, genomic sequencing technology is emerging as a vital tool in addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security. Hsu spoke about how decoding plant genomes with exceptional accuracy empowers researchers to develop high-yield, disease-resistant crop varieties, saying, "These innovations encourage sustainable agricultural practices and help preserve biodiversity, ensuring food security and minimising the environmental impact of modern agriculture."

Prof. Nguyen Thi Xuan Mai, senior manager for national sales at DKSH Vietnam, said, "The high cost of sequencing technology remains a barrier to its widespread application in clinical research, agricultural innovation, and environmental monitoring. Overcoming these challenges requires a blend of advanced technology and strategic collaboration."

Associate Prof. Ho Huynh Thuy Duong, founder of KTest, said, "The correlation between cost and value is the core issue. To solve this, we need time and coordination from many parties." Duong also said the company aims to increase sales by about 30 per cent this year.

Looking ahead, Jennifer Hsu highlighted Vietnam's continued investment in genomic innovation is unlocking opportunities for scientific discoveries and practical applications. "Through strategic partnerships like the one with DKSH, we are enhancing scientific capabilities and contributing to a more sustainable future for Vietnam."

Magalhaes said that besides collaborating with PacBio and KTest, DKSH will continue to bring new technologies to the Vietnamese market. "Our goal is to unlock Vietnam's potential and position it as a leading scientific hub," she said.

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