A FOCUS ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF PEOPLE’S LIVES BY PROVIDING EFFECTIVE AND AFFORDABLE TREATMENTS.

By Mr. Ong Van Dung, General Director, Stellapharm

Stellapharm (former name was STADA-VN – a Joint Venture Pharmaceutical Company formed in 2002 with a Vietnamesecompany named M.S.T and German cooperation named STADA Arzneimittel).

Stellapharm has become one of the leading generic pharmaceutical manufacturers in Vietnam, we follow the global quality standard in accordance with European and WHO Good Manufacturing Practices. Stellapharm became the first manufacturer in Vietnam accredited by EMA and has gone through consecutive EU GMP inspections since then. We are building and maintaining a strong culture of quality through dedicated investment in research & development and technical operations.

A powerful example of Stellapharm’s capabilities and culture was seen in the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stellapharm was the first company to bring molnupiravir which is a COVID-19 antiviral treatment to Vietnam. We did it voluntarily and for a humanitarian purpose. We participated in the coronavirus treatment programme held by Vietnamese government by providing a non-profit sponsorship package in which molnupiravir and other essential medicines were included.
Stellapharm has only been working with MPP for six months, and yet we feel that we have been working together for a long time due to the enthusiasm and professional work of the MPP team. We are supported by MPP’s Indian office, and the team helps us resolve technical issues on formulation development and filing pathways.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted our company in many ways including the medicines supply chain, pricing strategy, manufacturing operation, and management. We were impacted most significantly by the supply shortages. There was panic buying and stocking of COVID-19-related active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) which led to an unprecedented situation in the growing demand during COVID-19. Most of our API suppliers were struggling with a slow-down in production due to the pandemic; this may have contributed to shortage and price increases in essential APIs such as antivirals.

We understand that the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic seems like a marathon, and it is really a big job, but many hands make light work. In the future, we are keen on partnering with MPP in other therapeutic areas, especially in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are of increasing concern for society due to their high mortality rate. Now, the burden of NCDs in LMICs has increased remarkably. We would like MPP to broaden its mandate and continue to negotiate with patent holders for licences on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes medicines, and more.

By Mr. Ong Van Dung, General Director, Stellapharm, released on The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) 19 July 2022

About STELLAPHARM

Stellapharm is one of leading generics pharmaceutical companies and strong producer of anti-viral drugs in Vietnam. The company established in Vietnam in 2000; and focuses on both prescription drugs and non-prescription especially in cardiovascular diseases, antiviral drugs, anti-diabetics drugs, etc. and our products are now used by millions of patients in more than 50 countries worldwide.

The company is globally recognized for its quality through our facilities have been audited and approved by stringent authority like EMA, PMDA, Taiwan GMP, local WHO and others.

Additional information for this article: Stellapharm J.V. Co., Ltd. – Branch 1
A: 40 Tu Do Avenue, Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Park, An Phu Ward, Thuan An City, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam
T: +84 274 376 7470 | F: +84 274 376 7469 | E: info@stellapharm.com | W: www.stellapharm.com