Dr. Ho Nhan, a native of Quynh Luu, Nghe An, has an intriguing story to tell. Born in Ho Chi Minh City in 1966, he spent his formative years in New York, eventually obtaining a doctorate in biotechnology from the University of Arizona.
In 2006, he returned to Vietnam and settled there after nearly two decades of international research and work in the field of biomedical engineering. During this time, he co-founded Nanogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Joint Stock Company with his wife, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hong Van.
For many years, he steered the strategic direction and operations of this enterprise and was a pioneer in using biotechnology to develop cancer treatments.
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, he once again took the lead in researching and testing Vietnam’s first Covid-19 vaccine for human trials.
NANOCOVAX VACCINE: A TESTAMENT TO VIETNAM’S SCIENTIFIC CAPABILITIES
Through his work and conversations, it becomes evident that Nanogen is more than just a business to Dr. Nhan; it embodies his grand vision of propelling Vietnam forward in the field of biotechnology, especially in vaccine production and other advanced medical products. His journey is not just about a scientist but also about a bold and visionary entrepreneur.
He consistently emphasizes the importance of self-reliance in pharmaceutical research and production, especially given Vietnam’s dependence on foreign vaccine supplies. With his foresight, he has guided Nanogen through innumerable challenges, from building modern research infrastructure to attracting top talent and fostering international collaborations.
His spirit of dedication extends beyond personal achievements and permeates his team. The scientists assembled at Nanogen are young, dynamic individuals with international educational backgrounds, having studied in countries like the UK, the US, Germany, and Canada after graduating from Vietnamese universities.
Nanogen’s technological foundation lies in applying advancements in genetic engineering and fermentation technology to produce recombinant protein products. With this technology, the company has established three pharmaceutical factories specializing in medicines for hepatitis B and C, anemia caused by kidney failure, neutropenia supportive medication for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and monoclonal antibodies for treating breast and lung cancer, among other indications.
In 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, Vietnam faced unprecedented challenges. Amid vaccine shortages, Dr. Nhan and his scientific team at Nanogen embarked on a seemingly impossible mission to develop Nanocovax, Vietnam’s first domestically researched and produced Covid-19 vaccine. This project was not merely a scientific endeavor but a symbol of the Vietnamese nation’s self-reliance and resilience during a global crisis.
Under Dr. Nhan’s leadership, Nanogen invested nearly VND 2,000 billion (approximately USD 85 million), including VND 500 billion for clinical trials and approximately VND 25 billion in government support, into researching and developing the Nanocovax vaccine.
This vaccine is based on recombinant protein technology, a sophisticated platform that demands precision and substantial investment. From experimental design and manufacturing process development to executing clinical trial phases, the Nanogen team worked tirelessly.
Nanocovax showed promising results in the initial trial phases, and in phase 3, it received high marks from the National Council for Medical Research Ethics for its safety and immunogenicity. However, due to stringent clinical data requirements and the rapidly evolving pandemic situation, the affordable Nanocovax has not yet been approved for use.
Nevertheless, Nanocovax stands as a testament to the capabilities of Vietnamese scientists and entrepreneur Ho Nhan in their pursuit of self-reliance and competitiveness on the global stage.
ENTREPRENEUR HO NHAN: FALL BEFORE YOU WALK
Dr. Nhan preferred to let his work speak for itself, focusing on delivering the best and safest outcomes for Nanogen’s drug users. However, the Covid-19 virus presented unprecedented challenges with its rapid mutations. Yet, he firmly believed that it was the duty of scientists to develop vaccines to stabilize humanity in the face of such crises.
Dr. Nhan once shared, “My sole wish is for children not to lose another summer to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Son, Dr. Nhan’s mother-in-law, offered a poignant insight into his noble spirit. She recounted how many of her friends had come to the Nanogen factory to volunteer for the Nanocovax vaccine trials, expressing their absolute faith in his creation. Her words, “You may not have achieved fame, but you have achieved greatness,” served as both comfort and affirmation of the profound humanitarian value of his endeavors.
Dr. Nhan’s legacy extends beyond Nanocovax to encompass a spirit of community service. Although Nanocovax has not yet been approved for use, he has left another kind of legacy—one of trust, ethics, and pure scientific pursuit.
On several occasions, he confided about the doubts and obstacles he faced in his vaccine research and production endeavors. Throughout, Dr. Nhan maintained his composure, enduring the challenges without resorting to harsh reactions.
Perhaps he understood that the path of scientific progress, especially for private enterprises in a country striving for technological independence, is rarely smooth. Now, as the nation embarks on a new era with resolutions like Resolution 57-NQ/TW, which focuses on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and Resolution 68-NQ/TW, which promotes private economic development, his journey takes on even greater significance.
Even though Nanocovax has not yet received approval, it has laid the groundwork for future vaccine research in Vietnam. His journey has inspired young generations, scientists, and entrepreneurs alike with its dedication, perseverance, and social responsibility. Nanocovax, though not yet perfected, symbolizes the aspirations and creativity of the Vietnamese people.
Dr. Ho Nhan may no longer be with us, but his legacy endures in the hearts of those he inspired. He epitomizes a scientist and entrepreneur driven by a community-centric vision, a pioneer who dared to dream big and act boldly for the betterment of his nation.
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