Vaccine Clinical Trial Spotlight On Southeast Asia As "Unique" Opportunity Beckons

By Robert Barrie

Southeast Asia emerges as a pivotal region for vaccine clinical trials, driven by rapid recruitment, cost efficiency, and robust immunization infrastructure. As discussed by Chris Chong of Novotech at the 2024 Outsourcing in Clinical Trials and Clinical Trial Supply East Asia event, the region's significance has surged in the post-Covid-19 era with the Asia-Pacific leading in prophylactic vaccine trials. Southeast Asia's large, vaccine-naïve population and the prevalence of communicable diseases present unique opportunities for research and development.

Chong highlighted the region's strong medical needs, investigator interest, and cost advantages for conducting large-scale trials. Despite initially low Covid-19 vaccination rates in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, improvements have been noted. Post-pandemic, clinical trial activities have intensified, fueled by the adoption of adaptive, challenge, and platform trials, which have streamlined vaccine development processes. With the global vaccine market projected to reach $74 billion by 2024, Southeast Asia stands out as a crucial player in meeting the growing demand, despite global challenges such as vaccine skepticism.