In Viet Nam, the Ministry of Health officially approved the Patient Assistance Program in November 2022, making the Brentuximab vedotin drug price partially free for eligible prescribed patients according to the indications approved by the Drug Administration of Vietnam. The program aims to reduce the burden of treatment costs for Lymphoma patients while allowing them to access advanced medicines. Takeda Vietnam (1) is the sponsor for the mean-based “Patient Assistant Program based on Affordability”. This is the first-of-its-kind program in Viet Nam having the best support level for eligible patients. It is currently undergoing implementation nationwide by Zuellig Pharma Vietnam Co., Ltd – Takeda’s importer in Viet Nam.

Based on the evaluation results provided by Takeda’s partner Axios International (2), Takeda will support eligible patients and help them complete the treatment even if they cannot afford to pay for the entire course. It means that patients with financial disadvantages will be assisted with a better level of support to access the medication and treatment they need.

Workshop “Management and Implementation of Patient Assistant Program based on Affordability” participated in by the Vietnam Medical Association, Takeda, partners and delegates from the Ministry of Health and 13 hospitals nationwide.

Dr. Bach Quoc Khanh, President of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, said: “The feasible Brentuximab vedotin Assistance Program based on Affordability will help more patients have access to new medicines with efficient, targeted therapy, and improve the overall quality of malignant lymphoma treatment in Viet Nam. In addition, “Equity in accessing medicine” requires the participation of many stakeholders; therefore, we hope that relevant parties would pay attention and support patients promptly so that they can acquire the best treatment outcomes.”   

Malignant lymphoma is a type of cancer that has been on the rise in recent years and is listed in the 35 most common cancers in Viet Nam. This is a malignant blood disease that is able to be fully treated with a high rate of remission and prolongation of survival if the patient improves adherence to medical treatment.

The Brentuximab vedotin assistance program has demonstrated Takeda’s commitment to extending patients’ time and enhancing their quality of life at an affordable cost of treatment.